Assheton

Assheton is a surname of English origin. It is derived from the place name Ashton, which appears in several locations across England, most notably in Lancashire. The name Ashton itself is believed to have originated from Old English words meaning "ash tree settlement" or "settlement near ash trees". The addition of the 'e' in Assheton is a variation that can be found in some historical records.

Notable individuals bearing the Assheton surname have contributed to various fields. The Assheton family of Downham in Lancashire was a prominent gentry family, with members holding positions of local influence and serving in public office for centuries. Sir Ralph Assheton was a knight who served in the English Wars of the Hundred Years' War. Later generations of the family continued to be significant landowners and figures in Lancashire society. The surname has also appeared in other parts of England and has spread to other English-speaking countries through migration. While less common than its variation Ashton, Assheton remains a recognizable surname with historical roots in English geography and lineage.