Bolton is a surname of English origin that derives from a place name meaning "settlement with a special building" in Old English. The name was first recorded in Lancashire and spread throughout England over time. Famous individuals with the surname Bolton include Michael Bolton, an American singer-songwriter, and John Bolton, an American diplomat and former United States National Security Advisor. The name Bolton is also associated with the fictional character Roose Bolton from the popular TV series and book series, Game of Thrones. Overall, Bolton is a strong and historically significant surname with a rich heritage.