The name Upton did originate in Cornwall, England, however prior to WIlliam Upton of Treslake, there was a John and Thomas Uppeton, the name is of Anglo Saxon origin meaning from a higher town or village "Up" and "Ton" meaning town.

The name Uppeton was first used in late 1100's and was shortened to the popularly
accepted spellng of Upton arround the 1400's. The manor of Upson, Cornwall, England which gave its name to this family, originally extended into several parishes, the manor-house being in Lawannick (near Launcton, Cornwall) it descended in the elder line of the family of William Upton of Treslake who in 1477, grated it to his Uncles, William & John Upton, both of whom are styled of "Upton"