The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place Names gives Ernaldus Bastun as the Norfolk origin stating "Bastun" no doubt a Normal nickname for Bastun "Stick". The name occurs as a byname in England. A Dictionary of British Surnames by P.H.Reaney, states the name is derived from Bassenthwaite (Cumberland) and the English Place Name Society under Bassenthwaite Lake states the name is probably of post-conquest origin. The first element appears to be Anglo-French nickname or surname Bastun, literally baton or stick. The second element is Medieval English for water.
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