The surname Clanton is of English origin, derived from the Old French 'Clantone,' which means 'from the town of Clint.' The name was brought to England by the Normans during the conquest in 1066 and has since been passed down through generations. In early records, the name appeared as Clanton, Claneton, Clatton, and other variations due to differences in spelling during that era. Today, it is predominantly found in the United States, with a significant concentration in the Southern states.
The name Clanton experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak of 12 births in 1920 and another high point of 8 births in 1962. The majority of years saw between 5 to 7 births annually, with fewer occurrences in the late 1930s to mid-1940s.