Origin and MeaningNorton is an English masculine given name derived from a surname that originally came from a place name meaning "north town" in Old English. The name combines the Old English elements norþ ("north") and tūn ("town, settlement"), referring to someone who lived in or near the northern settlement. As a given name, Norton has seen modest use, especially in English-speaking countries, often chosen for its strong, classic sound and surname heritage.Notable BearersSeveral notable individuals have borne the name Norton. Norton Juster (1929–2021) was an American architect and author best known for his beloved children's book The Phantom Tollbooth. Norton Simon (1907–1993) was a prominent American industrialist and philanthropist who founded the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. Norton A. Schwartz (born 1951) served as the 19th Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force. Other bearers include Norton Bush (1834–1894), an American landscape painter; Norton Clapp (1906–1995), a businessman and chairman of the Weyerhaeuser Corporation; Norton Garfinkle (born 1931), an economist and public servant; Norton Mezvinsky (1932–2022), an American historian; and Norton Zinder (1928–2012), a biologist. In the arts, Norton Nascimento (1962–2007) was a Brazilian actor.Fictional CharactersNorton also appears in fiction. It is the name of the protagonist of Piers Anthony's fantasy novel Bearing an Hourglass. In the cultural context, the name is humorously remembered as the eponymous simpleton Norton Nork created by Sandy Becker. The name's use in fiction often plays on its solid, unadorned sound, impression, and calmness.Meaning: "North town" (Old English)Origin: English (derived from a place name)Type: Given name (masculine)Usage Regions: English-speaking world