The following came from the TULSA DAILY WORLD, Sunday, November 17, 1968:
What's in Your Name?
by Sanson Institute of Heraldry
Denton: Kings Physician
The surname Denton is an ancient; one in England and dates as far back as the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The name itself is one of those belonging in the place name category. It arose out of the identification of an individual by the fact that he came from, or lived in, Denton, the name of several places in England.
The ending "ton", a common ending of many English names, indicated a homestead or enclosure. Our word "town" comes from this suffix. The first portion of the name, that is "Den", comes from an old English word "den or denne" meaning a valley. In a strictly literal sense, therefore, the name meant one who came from a homestead in the valley.
British records list a number of coat of arms grants for persons named Denton, which would indicate a distinguished history for persons oŁ this name. The grant pictured above was recorded in Cumberland. It displays a silver shield, two red bars and three martlets which are colored black.
In 1636 William Denton was appointed personal physician to Charles I. After the restoration he assumed the same position for Charles III. In 1699 Edmond Denton was created a baronet. A survey indicates that at least 12 different places in England bear the name Denton, and in many instances the surname has been derived from one or another of these spots.
In the U.S. there are approximately 14,000 persons of this surname, according to 1957 figures. (Contributed by Denton M. Starr)
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(Pages 46 and 47 discuss the recent reunion and lists those who attended.)
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