Carleton

/ˈkɑrltən/ noun

Definition

A proper noun, typically a surname or place name, often referring to educational institutions or geographic locations named after the Carl- root meaning 'man' or 'freeman'.

Etymology

English surname from Old English 'ceorla tun' meaning settlement of freemen or peasants. The name was later adopted by various institutions and places, particularly in North America.

Kelly Says

Carleton College in Minnesota was named after William Carleton, a generous benefactor, but the school's mascot is the Knights - creating an amusing contradiction since 'carleton' originally referred to common peasants, not nobility.

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