Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Clayton is derived from Old English, meaning 'clay settlement.' It evolved from the historical form 'Claegtun' to its modern form. The name is associated with positive traits such as reliability and strength, and it has no biblical relevance. It gained popularity in the 19th century and remains a well-regarded name today.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkleɪtən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Clayton is derived from the Old English elements 'claeg,' meaning 'clay,' and 'tun,' meaning 'town' or 'settlement.' Thus, it translates to 'clay settlement.'
Meaning
clay town
Language Evolution
Claegtun, Clayton
Historical Usage
The name Clayton gained popularity in the 19th century as a surname and was later adopted as a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Claye, Clay, Claiton
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Clayton is perceived as a strong and classic name, often associated with reliability and stability.
Famous People
Clayton Kershaw, Clayton Christensen, Clayton Moore
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,577 peak births in 2000
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 161st of 7545 | 14,306 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 196th of 6773 | 12,885 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 240th of 7552 | 17,678 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 232nd of 10718 | 15,988 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 153rd of 16616 | 30,544 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 199th of 24088 | 29,673 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 273rd of 23106 | 15,612 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 3797th of 9107 | 104 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 4145th of 9204 | 86 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 6731st of 12526 | 56 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 7120th of 19264 | 95 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 8280th of 27321 | 132 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 13154th of 35406 | 100 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 17606th of 30306 | 37 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
9.82% 139th/1416 |
10.51% 145th/1379 |
8.16% 193rd/2366 |
16.99% 194th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
11.25% 174th/1546 |
11.38% 177th/1556 |
9.09% 214th/2353 |
13.90% 215th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
10.15% 226th/2227 |
10.08% 245th/2430 |
8.20% 234th/2853 |
8.04% 223rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
7.49% 220th/2937 |
8.58% 299th/3483 |
5.74% 202nd/3518 |
5.86% 237th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
3.53% 130th/3685 |
6.19% 277th/4475 |
2.35% 122nd/5194 |
3.17% 200th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.23% 148th/4582 |
6.22% 321st/5164 |
2.42% 177th/7313 |
3.73% 278th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
5.32% 212th/3984 |
7.89% 354th/4487 |
4.03% 275th/6822 |
5.07% 318th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
93.32% 2208th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
81.95% 5993rd/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 161st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 196th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 240th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 232nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 153rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 199th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 273rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3797th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4145th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6731st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 7120th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 8280th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 13154th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 17606th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.