Walton is an English surname and given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old English words "weal" meaning "foreign" or "stranger," and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." Therefore, the name Walton can be translated to mean "settlement of strangers."
The name Walton has been in use for many centuries in England. It is believed to have originated as a habitational name for someone who lived at an estate known by this name. There are several places named Walton throughout England, with one of the earliest records being Waletone in Northamptonshire, which was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086.
In some cases, Walton may also have been used as a personal given name rather than just a surname. It has been used as a given name for boys since at least the 19th century. In fact, it gained some popularity during this time due to its use by characters in popular literature and theatre of the period.
Today, Walton is still most commonly found as a surname, but it can also be used as a given name. It has seen increased usage as a boys' name in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as England, Wales, Australia, and Canada.
Overall, Walton is an interesting and historic name with a clear meaning and origin. Its Germanic roots give it a strong and somewhat mysterious sound, making it appealing to those looking for unique naming options.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Walton experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over time. Initially, there was a steady increase from 1880 to around 1914, with births ranging from 7 to 127 per year during this period. However, starting from 1915, there was a sharp decline, with the number of births dropping below 100 each year until 1962, where it reached an all-time low of 27.
From the late 1960s onwards, the popularity of the name Walton continued to fluctuate but remained relatively low compared to its peak in the early 20th century. The highest point during this period was in 2023 with 37 births. Overall, the total number of births with the name Walton from 1880 to 2023 is 5796.