The name Dilhorn is believed to be a reference to Loton's home town of Dilhorne, Staffordshire.
Born at Dilhorne in Staffordshire, England on 11 June 1839, William Loton was the son of publican and farmer Joseph Loton.
The Baronetcy of Dilhorne in the County of Stafford was created in the Baronetage of the United Kingdom on 20 January 1866 for Edward Manningham-Buller.