Layton is a unisex given name of English origin that means "from the ley town". Ley is an old term for grassland or meadow, and town refers to a settlement or community. Therefore, Layton can be interpreted as meaning "from the meadow settlement" or "from the grassland community".
The name Layton has a long history dating back to medieval times. It was originally used as a surname in England, derived from Old English elements "leah" and "tun", which together mean "farmstead in the clearing". The name was likely given to people who lived or worked on such farmsteads.
Over time, Layton has evolved into a given name for both boys and girls. It became more popular as a first name in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States and Canada. Today, it is still considered somewhat unusual but not overly so, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
In literature, one notable bearer of the name Layton is the fictional character Layton Hewitt from the video game series Professor Layton. However, this use of the name does not appear to have significantly influenced its popularity or meaning beyond the context of the games themselves.
Between 1880 and 2023, the name Layton has been given to babies born in the United States a total of 11,383 times. The popularity of this name has fluctuated significantly over time.
In the late 19th century and early 20th century, Layton was quite rare, with fewer than 10 births per year most years between 1880 and 1945. However, starting in the mid-1940s, we begin to see a steady increase in the number of babies named Layton each year.
By the late 1960s and early 1970s, Layton reached its first peak popularity, with around 20 births per year. This trend continued through much of the 1980s, when Layton was consistently among the most popular baby names in the United States.
In recent years, Layton has seen a significant surge in popularity, reaching an all-time high in 2015 with 528 births that year. Since then, it has maintained high levels of popularity, with over 400 births per year from 2016 to 2023.
Despite its fluctuating popularity, Layton remains a unique and distinctive name, beloved by many parents seeking something special for their children. Its enduring appeal can be seen in the consistent number of babies named Layton each year, even as other naming trends come and go.