This unusual name is of English locational origin, from either of the places called 'Burlton' in Herefordshire and Shropshire. The placenames are first recorded in 1242 and 1241 respectively, as 'Burghelton' showing that the derivation is from the Old English pre 7th century 'burg' and 'tun' joined with 'hyll' the whole placename thus meaning 'the village or town by the hill with a fort (on it)'. 'Burg' often referred to a Roman or earlier built fort and sometimes to a fortified manor. Locational surnames were dispersed about the country when their owners went to live or work in other areas than their home village or town. Mary Burleton was christened at Loppington, Shropshire in 1560, and another Mary Burleton was married to Richard Walker in 1697, in Ullingswick, Herefordshire. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Agnes Burleton, married Charles Mainwaring. which was dated 30th January 1544, London. during the reign of King Henry VIII 'Bluff King Hal' 1509-1547. 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.