This unusual location name is of Olde English origin from the pre 7th century, and is first recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book as 'Bedretone'. The modern spelling derives from 'Beterintona' recorded in the Pipe Rolls of 1130 for Oxford. The name means 'the farm (tun) of Beornpry' - a female personal name of unknown meaning but probably having a connection with 'Bjorn' meaning 'the bear'. The modern village name is spelt Betterton, in the county of Berkshire, James Bettington being recorded in London in 1785. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of James Bettington (an infant). which was dated 1804 Baptised at Chippenham, Wiltshire. during the reign of King George III 'Farmer George' 1760-1820. 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.