Peyton is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly as a girl's name, although it can also be used for boys.
The name Peyton is derived from the Irish surname O'Pidden, which means "fighting man's son." The surname was later anglicized to Peyton, and over time, it evolved into a given name. It is important to note that while Peyton has Irish origins, it does not mean "peaceful" or "peacemaker," as some people mistakenly believe.
The first recorded use of Peyton as a given name in America was in the late 19th century, but it did not become popular until much later. In the mid-20th century, it was typically used for boys, with notable examples including American football player Peyton Manning and actor Peyton Wich.
However, since the 1990s, Peyton has been used more frequently as a girl's name, particularly after the popularity of characters like Peyton Sawyer in the television series "One Tree Hill." Today, it is considered a unisex name but is still more commonly given to girls.
In terms of popularity, Peyton has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 names for girls and boys in the United States since the early 2000s. It peaked at number 276 for girls in 2006 and reached its highest rank for boys at number 957 in 2004.
Overall, Peyton is an attractive and distinctive given name with Irish origins that has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly as a girl's name. Its unique sound and unisex nature make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Peyton experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a notable spike in usage beginning around 1992. Between 1992 and 2000, there were over 57,000 births registered as Peyton, with peaks of 1967 births in 2000 and 4736 births in 2008. However, the popularity has since declined, dropping below 3000 births per year from 2017 onwards, reaching a total of 1953 births in 2023.