Cotton Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Cotton originates from Old French, meaning soft textile material. It evolved through various forms in the English language and has roots in Arabic and Persian. The name is historically linked to the cotton trade and agriculture, gaining prominence in the Middle Ages. It does not have biblical relevance. Today, it is perceived as a comfortable and rustic name, with notable figures like Cotton Mather contributing to its historical significance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Cotton"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɒtən/
Origin
Old French
Etymology
The name Cotton is derived from the Old French word 'cotton', which refers to the soft textile material made from the cotton plant. The term likely has roots in Arabic and Persian, referring to the cotton plant itself.
Meaning
soft textile material
Language Evolution
Old French: coton, Middle English: cotun, Modern English: cotton
Historical Usage
The name Cotton gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages, particularly as a surname for those involved in the cotton trade or agriculture.
Variants & Derivatives
Cotton, Cott, Cottage
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, the name Cotton is often associated with comfort and softness due to its connection to the fabric, and it may evoke a rustic or homey image.
Famous People
Cotton Mather, an American Puritan minister and author, Cotton Adams, an American politician
📊 Cotton Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Cotton Name Visualizations
✨ Cotton Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 31 peak births in 2015
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Cotton"
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 of "Cotton"
"Cotton" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 7545th of 7545 | 5 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 8221st of 10718 | 16 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 7482nd of 16616 | 68 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6022nd of 24088 | 198 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5293rd of 23106 | 210 |
Regional Popularity of "Cotton" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
53.28% 3635th/6822 |
- |
Regional Popularity of "Cotton" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Cotton"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Cotton" 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 of "Cotton" in the United States
The name Cotton is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Cotton has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Cotton' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 7545th out of 7545 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8221st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 7482nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6022nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5293rd out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Cotton' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.