Clayton is a given name of English origin, derived from the occupational surname "Clay". The surname Clayton originally referred to someone who lived or worked near a clay pit, as "clay" is an earthy material used in various industries such as pottery and brickmaking. The given name Clayton emerged later, becoming popular during the late 19th century.
The meaning behind the name Clayton is directly linked to its origin: it means "from the clay lands". This could be interpreted in various ways, symbolizing adaptability, resourcefulness, or even a connection to nature and the earth. However, it's essential to note that the significance of a name can often vary depending on individual perspectives and cultural backgrounds.
Throughout history, the name Clayton has been carried by several notable figures. One prominent example is American poet Henry Clay Work (1832-1887), who was born with the given name Clayton but later adopted his middle name professionally. Another notable figure is English cricketer and former captain of the England national cricket team, Andrew "Freddie" Flintoff, whose birth name is Clayton Andrew Frederick Flintoff.
In popular culture, the name Clayton has been used in various forms of media. In literature, it appears as a character's name in works such as "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "Clayton's Gift" by Thomas King. On-screen, actors with the name Clayton include Clayton Prince, known for his role in the television series "Pushing Daisies," and Clayton Chitty, who has appeared in films like "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle."
Overall, the name Clayton offers a unique blend of historical significance and adaptability, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
Based on the statistical data provided, we can observe several trends regarding the number of births with the name Clayton in the United States from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to around 1950, the number of babies named Clayton fluctuated between a low of 52 births in 1881 and a high of 1,018 births in 1957. The name gained some popularity during this period, with over 1,000 births recorded in several years from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s.
Starting in the late 1960s and continuing through the 1980s, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Clayton. The highest point during this period was reached in 1982, with 1,705 births. This trend can be attributed to the name's increasing popularity among parents during these decades.
However, after reaching its peak in the mid-1980s, the popularity of the name Clayton began to decline. Between 1990 and 2004, there was a significant drop in the number of babies named Clayton, from a high of 2,370 births in 1994 to a low of 1,662 births in 2005.
Since around 2005, the popularity of the name Clayton has stabilized at a lower level compared to its peak years. The number of babies named Clayton has fluctuated between approximately 1,300 and 1,500 births per year from 2008 to 2022, with a total of 137,104 births recorded over the entire period from 1880 to 2023.
In conclusion, while the name Clayton has seen periods of increased popularity throughout its history in the United States, it has generally been a relatively uncommon name, especially when compared to more popular choices. Despite fluctuations in its popularity, Clayton has maintained a consistent presence among baby names over the past century and a half.