This is a locational name which derives either from the Township of Airton (formerly Ayrton) in the Parish of Malham in Wharpedale, Yorkshire or from residence at a Farm (Tun) by the Water ea) from the Olde English pre 7th Century. The name development has included Willelmus de Ayreton, (also Yorkshire 1379 as the original name holder but a different spelling) whilst in 1602 Margery Ayrton married John Bond at Canterbury Cathedral. The name is recorded four times in the National Biography and there are two Coats of Arms, one granted to Acton Ayrton MP., (1818 - 1886), Judge Advocate 1873 - 1874. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Nicholas de Aryton. which was dated 1379, The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls. during the reign of King Richard II, Richard of Bordeaux, 1378 - 1400. 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.