Overton is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "ofer" which means "above" or "over," and the word "tun" which refers to an enclosure or settlement. Therefore, the name Overton literally translates to "settlement above" or "enclosure over."
The earliest known record of the name Overton dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it is listed as a place name in Lincolnshire, England. Since then, the name has been passed down through generations and has become associated with several notable individuals throughout history.
One of the most famous bearers of the name Overton was Sir Richard Overton (1625-1664), an English political theorist and writer who was a prominent figure in the Leveller movement during the English Civil War. Overton was known for his radical views on democracy, freedom of speech, and religious tolerance, which he expressed through various pamphlets and treatises that he wrote under the pseudonym "Yeoman."
Today, Overton continues to be a rare but notable name, often chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. Despite its English origins, it has also gained popularity in other countries around the world, particularly in the United States.
In summary, Overton is an uncommon yet distinctive name of English origin that translates to "settlement above" or "enclosure over." It has a rich history dating back to medieval times and has been associated with notable figures such as Sir Richard Overton. While it may not be as widely recognized as some other names, those who bear the name Overton can take pride in its unique sound and significant historical roots.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Overton has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. The earliest recorded birth with the name Overton was in 1884, with five babies being given this name.
The next two decades saw a fluctuation in the number of newborns named Overton, ranging from six births in some years to as few as five in others. However, between 1907 and 1923, there was a notable increase in popularity, with the highest recorded number being 26 births in 1920.
After the 1920s, the name Overton's popularity seemed to decline, with fewer than ten babies named Overton each year until the 1950s. There were some spikes in popularity during this period, such as 13 births in 1959 and another spike in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
In recent years, the name Overton has seen a renewed interest, with seven births recorded in both 1996 and 2003. Overall, since 1884 until 2003, there have been a total of 544 babies named Overton born in the United States.
While these statistics only tell part of the story, they do provide an interesting glimpse into how the name Overton has evolved in popularity over time in the United States. It is important to note that this data may not be exhaustive and there could be some variations or inaccuracies due to changes in record-keeping methods over the years.
Nevertheless, it is clear that the name Overton has had periods of relative popularity as well as times when it was chosen less frequently for newborns. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, the name Overton remains a distinctive choice for parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their child.