English: habitational name from any of numerous places throughout England (but especially in the southwest) named Compton, from Old English cumb 'short, straight valley' + tūn 'enclosure, settlement'.
FUN FACT: Compton since the late 1800s has been historically known as The Hub City because it sits right smack dab in the center of Los Angeles County.
Three miles south-west of Guildford in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty lies the village of Compton. Earlier forms of the name indicate a farmstead ('tun') in a hollow between hills ('cwm') and suggest it was the site of early occupation.
The history of the surname Compton, particularly of Irish descent, can be traced back to medieval times. The name itself is of English origin, derived from a place name meaning "settlement in a deep valley" in Old English.
Originally named Gibsonville, after one of the tract owners, it was later called Comptonville. However, to avoid confusion with the Camptonville located in Yuba County, the name was shortened to Compton.
The territory was settled in 1867 by a band of 30 pioneering families, who were led to the area by Griffith Dickenson Compton. These families had wagon-trained south from Stockton, California in search of ways to earn a living other than in the rapidly depleting gold fields.
Compton is a charming neighbourhood in England, known for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings. Nextdoor Neighbours appreciate the strong sense of community and the area's dog-friendly nature, making it a pleasant place to live.
'Compton' means 'farm or estate in a valley', from Old English 'cumb' for valley and 'tun' for estate, while the manorial affix comes from William de Valencia, Earl of Pembroke, who was granted the manor here in 1252.
With Apple Inc.'s recent purchase of Beats for $3 billion, Dre (real name: Andre Young) is now being hailed around town as Compton's first billionaire and an even more powerful role model in a community where opportunities for young people often seem few and far between.
Bompton is a nickname for the Los Angeles-area city of Compton, California used by members of the Bloods gang. It can also be used to describe neighborhoods in Compton associated with the Bloods.
Through the 80s and nineties, Compton experienced extreme levels of gang violence and would actually become a birthplace of gangster rap. A group named NWA took over the world rapping about their realities of living in a city like Compton.
The Compton Cowboys' motto is "the streets raised us, the horses saved us." The team works to provide an alternative route and positive role models to inner-city youth. This effort helps give youth a path away from gangs and crime.
Rosecrans has played a role as an incubator for essential L.A. rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Dr. Dre, YG, the Game, DJ Quik, Problem and dozens more. Since N.W. A's 1988 album “Straight Outta Compton,” artists have long used the 27-mile-long avenue as a backdrop.
Compton is a village and civil parish in the Guildford district of Surrey, England. It is about 3 miles WSW of the centre of Guildford. It has a medieval church and a close connection with fine art and pottery: it was the later life home of artist George Frederic Watts.
Officials note that 63% of violent crimes in Compton occur at night (9 PM-3 AM), often linked to gang and drug activity. Despite increased policing and community programs, Compton in 2025 still ranks as one of America's most dangerous cities, with a total crime rate about 64% above the national average.
Heritage House. The Heritage House was built in 1869 and is a State Historic Landmark. This is the oldest house in Compton, it was restored as a tribute to early settlers.
