Although the Carltons are of humble origin, there are a number of interesting and in some cases unusual, facets about their lives that have come to light during our researches:

• Edward is the most popular of our names. It was first given on March 10, 1674 by William and Mary of Tilmanstone to their 3rd son who we have come to know as Edward the Cordwainer of Tilmanstone. During the 323 years since that day there has always been a descendant named Edward Carlton alive. At several times (1934-1938, 1956-1976, 1985-1987) there have been as many as 6 American males carrying the name and one branch has used the name 8 times (cumulating with Michael Edward Carlton). One English branch had used the name 5 times through 1870 (cumulating with Edward Carlton of Womenswold).
  
• William is the second most popular of our names. It was first recorded as Wyllyame in John Charlton's will of 1571. The name has existed in our family from the 1550s to the present day (where it has continued in the English branches). The Ipswich Carltons carried the name through 9 individuals, the last being William Henry Carlton (who was born in 1906).
  
• Our most popular names parallel the names of the great English Kings, which is the rule in nearly all English families. In addition to Edward and William, our English branches have often given the name Thomas, as well as the King's names of Henry and George. The American branches have used David several times. Both sides have used Stephen and John occasionally.
  
• The most popular female names have been Elizabeth (first recorded in 1639) and Mary (first recorded in 1664), which have been given almost equally since the earliest records. The third most popular name has been Ann (which dates from the 1550s). As might be expected, these are the names of the great Queens of England. Margaret, Jane, and Sarah have also been used consistently through the ages.
  
• No Carlton male has ever lived 100 years. John Carlton the Churchwarden of Tilmanstone came closest, he lived 97 years from 1709 to 1806, a rare feat in his time. However, even more unusual is the fact that no American male, or any of our direct ancestors as far back as recorded (to at least the 1550s), has lived less than 50 years. This results in an average male age for the last 437 years in the high 60s. Along with these long lives, there was a 157 year period (from 1772 to 1929) when no Carlton marriage had lasted less than 40 years. In spite of all this, there has never been a time when 4 generations of Carlton males were living simultaneously.

Since before 1628 (369 years) all 12 consecutive generations of Carlton males have been literate (i.e., capable of signing their name in a well practiced hand).

This page was updated on 2-21-98. If you have queries or comments, email rcarlton@arkansas.net