Bolton is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls in recent years. It comes from the Old English word "Bōltun," which means "from Bolton." This name likely refers to Bolton, a town located in the North West region of England.
The meaning behind the name Bolton is associated with its geographical origins rather than any particular attribute or characteristic. However, it's worth noting that throughout history, people have often been named after their places of origin, and this tradition still exists today.
Bolton has not had a prominent historical figure who shares the same name; therefore, there isn't an explicit association between Bolton and notable historical events or personalities. Instead, those bearing the name Bolton may have ties to the town itself or simply appreciate its sound and meaning.
In terms of popularity, Bolton is not one of the most common names in English-speaking countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, or Australia. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the U.S., for instance, only 39 boys were named Bolton in 2020, making it quite an uncommon choice.
Despite its rarity, Bolton remains a distinctive and attractive name option for those who appreciate its historical ties and unique sound. It offers a strong and memorable moniker that can suit both boys and girls alike.
The name Bolton has been given to babies in the United States for over a century, with the first recorded birth occurring in 1905. Since then, the popularity of the name has fluctuated over time.
In the early 20th century, there were only a handful of births each year. Between 1943 and 1944, five boys were named Bolton annually. However, it was not until the late 1980s that the name began to gain traction, with nine babies being given the name in 1992.
The following years saw a steady increase in popularity for the name Bolton. Between 1993 and 2008, there were consistently around six to seven births each year. In 2013, there was a significant jump to eleven births, indicating that the name had begun to trend upwards in popularity.
This upward trend continued through the late 2010s and into the 2020s. Between 2015 and 2018, the number of births each year surpassed ten, reaching a peak of fifteen in 2017. While there was a slight dip in popularity in 2019 and 2020, with eight and six births respectively, the name recovered swiftly, with fourteen births recorded in 2021. The most recent data from 2022 shows that eleven babies were named Bolton, indicating that the name's popularity has stabilized at a higher level than it had been prior to the mid-2010s.
In total, over the course of more than a century, there have been 224 births of boys named Bolton in the United States. This demonstrates that while the name may not have always been popular, it has maintained a consistent presence throughout American history and has seen several periods of increased popularity.