Houghton is an English surname and given name, derived from the Old Norse 'Hoth' meaning 'heart', combined with the suffix '-ton'. It was originally a habitational name for someone who lived in a settlement associated with a 'hot spring' or 'warm spring'. The name has been established in England since the Middle Ages, with early records including Walter de Houghton in the 13th century. Over time, it has also evolved as a given name, particularly popular among families who have historically carried the surname.
The name Houghton experienced a gap of nearly nine decades between the last birth recorded in the early 20th century and the one registered in the 21st century. From 1916 to 2013, there were just four years with births bearing this name, totaling only five infants each in 1916, 1923, and 2013, plus six in 1920. This adds up to twenty-one children sharing the given name Houghton over these periods.