Wotton

Wotton is a surname of Old English origin, derived from the Old English words 'wudu' meaning 'wood' and 'tun' meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement'. It was a topographical name given to someone who lived by a wood or a settlement in a wood. The name has been in use as a surname for centuries, with early records appearing in various parts of England. Over time, like many surnames, it has occasionally been adopted as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.

The use of Wotton as a given name is relatively rare and often follows the tradition of using family surnames as first names. This practice became more common from the 17th century onwards, especially among aristocratic or landowning families, to preserve family lineage or honor a maternal surname. Its unisex usage is largely due to its surname origin, as surnames do not inherently carry a gender.