Alton is a unisex name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English words "aett" meaning family or group, and "tun" which means settlement or enclosure. Therefore, Alton can be interpreted to mean "family settlement" or "enclosure of a group."
The name Alton first appeared in England during the Anglo-Saxon period, around the 9th century AD. It was originally used as a surname before being adopted as a given name. The name became more widespread during the Victorian era in Britain, and it has since been used by families all over the world.
Alton is often associated with the town of Alton in Hampshire, England, which was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. However, there are several other places named Alton throughout the United Kingdom, as well as in the United States and Canada.
Throughout history, notable people have borne the name Alton. For example, Alton Brown is an American television personality, author, and actor who hosts the Food Network program Good Eats. Alton McLain was a blues musician from Mississippi who played alongside legends such as Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf.
Today, Alton continues to be used by families around the world as a unique and memorable name for their children. It is often chosen because of its strong meaning and English heritage, or simply because parents appreciate its sound and rhythm. Despite its long history, Alton remains relatively uncommon compared to other names, making it an appealing choice for those looking for something distinctive yet classic.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Alton has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the past century, with peaks and valleys throughout different decades.
The earliest records show that there were six babies named Alton born in both 1904 and 1909. The number of newborns with this name remained relatively stable in the following years, ranging from five to ten births per year until 1932.
From 1933 to 1967, there was a noticeable decrease in the popularity of the name Alton, with an average of seven births per year. However, there were some spikes during this period, such as eleven births in 1945 and nine births in both 1952 and 1960.
After 1967, the number of babies named Alton born each year fluctuated between five and eight until the records stop in 1989. Throughout this entire period, there were a total of 376 births with the name Alton in the United States.
Overall, while the name Alton may not have been extremely popular throughout its history, it has consistently appeared among newborns in the United States for over a century.