All about the name DRAYTON

Meaning, origin, history.

Drayton is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are rooted in the historic county of Huntingdonshire, located in East England.

The name Drayton is derived from the Old English words "dræt" and "tun," which literally translate to "settlement" or "farmstead." The first element, "dræt," refers to a dry valley or land, while the second element, "tun," denotes an enclosure or farmstead. Therefore, Drayton can be interpreted as meaning "dry valley settlement" or "farmstead in a dry valley."

The earliest recorded instance of the name Drayton appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, an extensive survey of England and Wales ordered by William the Conqueror. In this document, Drayton is listed as a manor within Huntingdonshire, suggesting that the name has been associated with the region for centuries.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the name Drayton. One such person was Sir Thomas Drayton (1543-1593), an English poet and translator who was renowned for his translations of the works of Virgil and Petrarch. Additionally, Sir Francis Drake, the famous English explorer and privateer, was born in a house called "Drakes House" located in Drayton, Devon.

Today, Drayton remains a rare yet meaningful name, carrying with it a rich historical legacy and connection to the landscapes and people of England's past. Those who bear this distinctive moniker are often drawn to its unique sound and its deep-rooted English heritage.

See also

English

Popularity of the name DRAYTON since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Drayton has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past century, with significant fluctuations in popularity from year to year.

In the early 20th century, between 5 and 12 babies were given the name Drayton each year from 1915 to 1933. The number of births then declined, with only 6 or fewer babies named Drayton annually from 1934 to 1979.

Starting in 1980, there was a notable increase in the popularity of the name Drayton, with at least 10 births each year until 1992. The years 1993 to 2005 saw further growth, with the number of babies named Drayton ranging from 32 to 73 annually.

The peak of Drayton's popularity in the United States occurred between 2006 and 2012, with an average of around 60 births per year. Since then, the name has seen a decline in popularity, with fewer than 50 babies named Drayton each year from 2013 to 2023.

In total, there have been 1977 babies named Drayton in the United States since records began in 1915. Despite its ups and downs in popularity over the years, the name Drayton remains a distinctive and unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.