This interesting surname of Scottish origin is a locational name from the town of Dumbarton, north west of Glasgow. The surname dates back to the early 13th Century, (see below). Further recordings include one Clement de Dumberton who appears as a witness in Dumbarton in 1271 "Registrum monasterii de Passelet", and circa 1334 Ada filius Alani de Dunbretane appears in the same role. In circa 1350 a confirmation charter of the land of Bullul was granted to Robert de Dunbretane. London church recordings include one George Dumbarton who married Caroline Charles on May 18th 1851 at St. Dunstan's, Westminster, William, son of William and Susannah Dumbarton was christened on October 6th 1862 at St. Marylebone, St. Mary Street, Marylebone Road, London, and Selina Dumbarton was christened on August 24th 1865, also at St. Marylebone, St. Mary Street, Marylebone Road. Alfred Dumbarton is author of "Gypsey life in the Mysore jungle", London 1902. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Magister Richardus de Dunbreton, which was dated 1235, witnessed a charter by Constantinus de Locher, during the reign of King Alexander 11 of Scotland, 1314 - 1249. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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