Wilton is a unique and intriguing name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "wiltan," which means "to wish" or "to desire." The name Wilton itself originally referred to an individual who was wished for, desired, or longed for.
The name has a rich history in England, with its earliest known usage dating back to the Middle Ages. It is believed that the name may have been given to children born after a period of great desire or longing, such as during times of hardship or war. Alternatively, it may have been bestowed upon children who were particularly loved and wished for by their parents.
Over time, Wilton has evolved and adapted to different cultures and languages. In some cases, it has been translated into other forms, such as the French "Gillette" or the German "Wiltgang." Despite these variations, the core meaning of the name has remained largely consistent: an individual who is wished for, desired, or longed for.
Today, Wilton remains a rare and distinctive name, often associated with its historical roots in English culture. However, it continues to be chosen by parents around the world who appreciate its unique origin story and meaningful significance. Whether you're named Wilton yourself or simply have an appreciation for unusual names with deep histories, this name is sure to capture your imagination.
The name Wilton has had a varied history of popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in its usage as seen in the birth statistics provided.
From 1880 to around the early 1900s, Wilton was used relatively infrequently, with an average of about 7 births per year. However, starting from 1903, there was a noticeable increase in the usage of this name, with 18 births recorded that year. This upward trend continued throughout the decade, peaking at 29 births in 1911.
The early to mid-1900s marked a period of significant popularity for Wilton, with the number of births per year reaching triple digits between 1912 and 1927, except for a few years. The highest point during this era was in 1914, with 147 births recorded. This period also saw consistent usage of the name, with very little variation from year to year.
However, starting from the late 1920s, there was a steady decline in the popularity of Wilton. By the mid-1930s, the number of annual births had dropped significantly, reaching as low as 56 births in 1961. This downward trend continued until the late 1970s, with fewer than 50 births per year recorded from 1974 onwards.
The latter part of the 20th century saw a further decline in the usage of Wilton. From the 1980s onwards, the number of annual births remained below 50, with some years having less than 20 births. The lowest point was reached in 2018, with only 11 births recorded that year.
In recent years, there has been a slight resurgence in the popularity of Wilton, with around 20 births per year recorded between 2020 and 2023. Despite this recent uptick, Wilton remains relatively uncommon compared to its peak usage in the early to mid-1900s.
Overall, while Wilton has had periods of significant popularity, particularly during the early to mid-1900s, its usage as a given name has fluctuated greatly over time. Its current level of popularity is much lower than it was during its heyday, but there is evidence of a recent revival in its usage.