Leighton is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. It is derived from the Old English word "leah-tun," which means "farmstead or clearing in a wood." The name Leighton became popular during the Victorian era in England, but it was not widely used until the late 20th century.
Leighton has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One of the most famous is Sir Matthew Leighton, who was an English politician and Member of Parliament for various constituencies between 1837 and 1846. Another notable figure is Leighton Buzzard, a market town in Bedfordshire, England, which is named after the Leighton family who owned much of the land around it during the Middle Ages.
The name Leighton has also been used by several authors as characters in their works. In Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights," there is a character named Leighton who is the younger brother of Edgar Linton. Additionally, there was a character named Leighton in the popular television series "Dawson's Creek" during the late 1990s.
Overall, Leighton is a unique and interesting name with a rich history that dates back to medieval England. Whether you're looking for a boy's name or girl's name, Leighton could be an excellent choice for your child.
The name Leighton saw a significant rise in popularity from the late 19th century onwards, with a notable increase around the two World Wars and peaking in the mid-20th century. However, it has been on a steady decline since the 1950s, with only a slight uptick in recent years.