Alton is a unisex given name of English origin, derived from the old English word "æl" meaning noble or elegant, and "tun" which refers to an enclosure or farm. Therefore, Alton means "noble estate" or "elegant settlement."
The name Alton has been used historically as both a first name and a surname. As a given name, it was relatively uncommon in the past but has gained some popularity in recent years. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Alton ranked #1640 among boys' names and #2793 among girls' names in the United States during 2020.
Some notable individuals with the name Alton include American actor Alton Brown, known for hosting the Food Network television show Good Eats, and British musician Alton Ellis, often referred to as the "Godfather of Rocksteady," a Jamaican music genre that emerged in the mid-1960s. These figures demonstrate the diversity of individuals who carry this name across different cultures and fields.
Overall, Alton is an attractive and unique given name with an interesting historical background. Its meaning conveys elegance and nobility, making it appealing for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child that still has roots in tradition.
The name Alton experienced a significant rise and fall in popularity over the years, with a peak of 836 births in 1937, followed by a steady decline to just 86 births in 2022. The total number of births with the name Alton over this period is 47,237.