Alton is a unisex given name of English origin, derived from the old English word "æl" meaning noble or elegant, and "tun" which refers to an enclosure or farm. Therefore, Alton means "noble estate" or "elegant settlement."
The name Alton has been used historically as both a first name and a surname. As a given name, it was relatively uncommon in the past but has gained some popularity in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Alton ranked #1640 among boys' names and #2793 among girls' names in the United States during 2020.
Some notable individuals with the name Alton include American actor Alton Brown, known for hosting the Food Network television show Good Eats, and British musician Alton Ellis, often referred to as the "Godfather of Rocksteady," a Jamaican music genre that emerged in the mid-1960s. These figures demonstrate the diversity of individuals who carry this name across different cultures and fields.
Overall, Alton is an attractive and unique given name with an interesting historical background. Its meaning conveys elegance and nobility, making it appealing for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child that still has roots in tradition.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Alton in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to around 1950, there was a steady increase in the number of babies named Alton each year. The highest point during this period was reached in 1951 with 649 births.
However, starting from the mid-1950s, there has been a consistent decrease in the popularity of the name Alton. This decline continued until the late 1970s when the number of babies named Alton each year fell below 300.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Alton has remained relatively low and stable, with fewer than 200 babies being named Alton annually since the mid-1980s. The lowest point in recent history was reached in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic when only 92 babies were named Alton.
Overall, while Alton was once a popular name in the United States, its popularity has declined significantly over time and it is now relatively uncommon.