Short Answer
Scope and source
This list focuses on English surnames that are known to derive from more than one place name. The phenomenon occurs when several villages or towns share the same name; a surname spelling that matches that name could therefore originate from any of those locations. The concept of surnames with multiple origins is discussed by the FamilySearch International Institute in their article on England Understanding Surnames, which highlights examples such as Horn and Teague that arise from different geographic or linguistic sources.
The surname list
| Surname | Multiple place origins | Brief note |
|---|---|---|
| Ashby | Multiple villages named Ashby | Could refer to Ashby in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, or other locations. |
| Broughton | Several Broughtons | Could be from Broughton in Cheshire, Lincolnshire, or elsewhere. |
| Benton | Multiple Bentons | Derives from Benton in Northumberland, Devon, or other counties. |
| Cranfield | Multiple Cranfields | May come from Cranfield in Bedfordshire or other places. |
| Denton | Multiple Dentons | Possible origins: Denton in Greater Manchester, Lancashire, etc. |
| Farnham | Several Farnhams | Could refer to Farnham in Surrey, Hampshire, or other counties. |
| Grove | Multiple Grove locations | Possible origins: Grove in Somerset, Dorset, etc. |
| Hawthorn | Several places called Hawthorn | Could be from Hawthorn in Kent, Surrey, or other areas. |
| Linton | Multiple Lintons | May originate from Linton in Cambridgeshire, Northumberland, or elsewhere. |
| Marston | Multiple Marstons | Could refer to Marston in Warwickshire, Cheshire, or other counties. |
| Newsham | Several Newshams | Possible origins: Newsham in County Durham, North Yorkshire, or other locations. |
| Oakham | Multiple Oakhams | Could be from Oakham in Rutland, or Oakham in other areas. |
| Peters | Several Peters places | May derive from Petersfield in Hampshire, or other Peters locations. |
| Rookwood | Multiple Rookwoods | Possible origins: Rookwood in Derbyshire, or other areas. |
| Sutton | Many Suttons | Could refer to Sutton in Surrey, London, or other counties. |
| Wheaton | Multiple Wheatons | Possible origins: Wheaton in West Yorkshire, or other places. |
| Wood | Multiple Wood locations | Could derive from Wood in Somerset, Devon, or elsewhere. |
| York | Multiple Yorks | May refer to York in North Yorkshire, or other Yorks. |
| Ashfield | Multiple Ashfields | Could be from Ashfield in Nottinghamshire, or other locations. |
| Marlow | Multiple Marlows | Possible origins: Marlow in Buckinghamshire, or other places. |
Patterns and context
In England many place names are reused across different counties. When a surname is derived from a place name, the spelling alone does not reveal which location it references. This is why genealogists often consult local records, parish registers, and historical maps to narrow the geographic origin for a particular family line.
Dataset or selection limitations
The surnames listed above are drawn from commonly known place-name surnames that have at least two distinct geographic referents, as recognized by surname‑etymology scholars. The list is not exhaustive and is based on general scholarly consensus rather than a specific census or registry dataset. No numerical frequency data are provided because the focus is on the multiplicity of place origins, not on the prevalence of each surname.
Explore the surnames and begin research
Each surname can be the starting point for deeper investigation. Genealogists should look for variant spellings, early parish records, and local histories to determine which place name is most likely for their specific ancestors. Many surname profiles on the Select Surname List website provide detailed etymologies, variant spellings, and links to historical sources.
Source and editorial status
This article is based on the FamilySearch International Institute’s discussion of polygenetic surnames and general surname‑etymology knowledge. No editorial review has been completed for this specific list, and the information should be verified by consulting authoritative surname dictionaries or local historical resources.
FAQ
Why do some surnames have multiple place origins?
Because several villages or towns share the same name, a surname derived from that place name can refer to any of those locations. Without additional contextual information, the specific geographic origin cannot be determined.
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