Lawton is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "hlaw" which means "hill," and the suffix "-ton," which signifies a settlement or farm. Therefore, Lawton translates to "settlement on a hill."
The name Lawton has been present in England since the Middle Ages but it was not commonly used as a given name until the 20th century. It is believed that the name originated from one of several places called Lawton in Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Northumberland.
Throughout history, the name Lawton has been predominantly associated with the aristocracy. The first recorded use of the name was in the Domesday Book of 1086 where it was listed as a landowner's surname. Since then, several notable individuals have carried the name Lawton, including Sir Richard Lawton, a knight who fought alongside Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415.
While Lawton is not a particularly popular name today, it remains a unique and historic choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet significant name for their child. Its meaning "settlement on a hill" can evoke images of picturesque landscapes and historical roots, making it an attractive option for those interested in English history or nature-inspired names.
In conclusion, Lawton is an Old English given name with a rich history and unique meaning. Derived from the words "hlaw" and "-ton," it translates to "settlement on a hill." While not commonly used today, its historical associations and meaningful origin make it a distinctive choice for parents seeking a memorable name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Lawton has seen varied popularity over time in the United States. The earliest recorded birth year for the name is 1889 with 6 occurrences. The name experienced some fluctuations in its usage, with periods of higher popularity followed by declines.
One notable period of growth was between 1920 and 1937, where the number of births with the name Lawton ranged from 35 to 41 annually. This suggests that during this time, the name was quite popular and maintained a consistent level of usage.
However, after 1937, there appears to be a decline in the popularity of the name Lawton. From 1938 to 1960, the number of births with this name ranged from 23 to 19 annually, indicating that it was less commonly chosen during these years.
Starting from 1961, there seems to be another period of fluctuations in popularity for the name Lawton. From 1961 to 1987, the number of births with this name ranged from 19 to 21 annually, indicating some level of consistency but not reaching the heights seen earlier in the century.
Since 1988, there has been an increase in the popularity of the name Lawton. From 1988 to 2023, the number of births with this name ranged from 9 to 43 annually, with several years showing higher numbers than those seen between 1961 and 1987.
In conclusion, while the name Lawton has not consistently been among the most popular in the United States, it has maintained a presence throughout history. Its popularity has waxed and waned over time but has shown recent signs of growth since the late 20th century.