Milton, derived from Middle English 'Muleton', was originally an occupational surname meaning 'mill worker'. It gained popularity as a given name in the Victorian era. Notable individuals named Milton include John Milton, the renowned English poet and author of 'Paradise Lost', and Milton Friedman, a prominent American economist.
The name Milton experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable spike during World War I and a decline thereafter until the 1950s when it began to steadily rise again.