Leighton is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "leah-tun," which translates to "farmstead or clearing in the woods." The name Leighton is often associated with places in England, such as Leighton Buzzard and Leighton Halzead.
The name Leighton was first used as a given name during the mid-20th century. Before this time, it was typically used as a surname. One of the earliest known uses of Leighton as a given name is in 1947, when it was given to a character in the novel "The Sun Also Rises" by Ernest Hemingway.
Today, Leighton is used as both a male and female given name. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular for girls, likely due to its association with celebrities such as actress Leighton Meester and singer Leona Lewis. However, historically, Leighton was more commonly used as a boy's name.
Overall, the name Leighton is of English origin and translates to "farmstead or clearing in the woods." It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly for girls, but it was first used as a given name during the mid-20th century.
The name Leighton has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades, as indicated by the birth statistics in the United States. Between 1956 and 1993, the number of births with the name Leighton fluctuated between 5 and 16 each year. However, starting from 1994, there was a notable rise in popularity, with over 30 births annually.
In 2007, the name Leighton began to gain significant traction, with 53 births recorded that year. This number continued to grow steadily, reaching 680 births in 2015 and peaking at 850 births in 2023. Overall, from 1956 to 2023, there have been a total of 10,718 Leighton births in the United States.
This data suggests that the name Leighton has become increasingly popular among parents over time, with a significant increase in its usage since the mid-1990s. Despite some fluctuations throughout the years, it is clear that this name has maintained consistent popularity and continues to be chosen by many families today.