Ashton is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among parents seeking unique and interesting names for their children. The name Ashton is derived from the Old English words "æsc" meaning "ash tree," and "tun" which means "enclosure or settlement." Therefore, the literal translation of Ashton is "ash tree enclosure."
The earliest known usage of the name Ashton can be traced back to medieval England, where it was used as a surname. It originally referred to someone who lived near an ash tree grove or in an enclosure named after an ash tree. Over time, Ashton began to be used as a given name as well.
In literature, one notable appearance of the name Ashton is in Charlotte Brontë's classic novel "Jane Eyre," published in 1847. In the story, Mr. Rochester has a beloved horse named "Ashton," which contributes to the name's growing popularity during the Victorian era.
Today, Ashton remains popular as a given name for both boys and girls, though it is more commonly used for males. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Ashton was among the top 1000 most popular names for boys between 2000 and 2015.
Overall, Ashton is an attractive and distinctive name with a rich history that carries the appealing imagery of the ash tree and its protective enclosure. Its English origins and literary associations make it a compelling choice for parents seeking a meaningful and memorable name for their child.
The given statistics show the annual births of the name Ashton in the United States from 1881 to 2023. The name's popularity has varied significantly over time.
From 1881 to 1949, Ashton was a relatively uncommon name, with fewer than 25 births per year on average. However, starting in 1950, there was a notable increase in its popularity. Between 1950 and 1970, the number of annual births with the name Ashton ranged from single digits to around 30.
The late 1970s marked a significant turning point for the name Ashton's popularity. In 1979, there were 62 births, more than doubling the previous year's figure of 27. This upward trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with Ashton becoming one of the most popular names during this period.
The peak of Ashton's popularity occurred in 2003, with an impressive total of 4215 births. After that year, its popularity began to decline gradually but remained relatively high compared to earlier periods. Between 2010 and 2022, the number of annual births with the name Ashton ranged from around 2300 to 3100.
In summary, while Ashton was not a popular name in the United States during its early history, it gained significant traction starting in the late 1970s. The name reached its peak popularity in the early 2000s but has since declined slightly, maintaining a steady presence among parents' choices for their children's names.