Ashton is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'æscetun', which means 'ash tree settlement'. It has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries. In the Middle Ages, Ashton was often associated with places such as Ashton-upon-Mersey in Cheshire, England, and Ashton-under-Lyne in Lancashire, England.
The name Ashton first appeared as a given name in the 19th century, but it became popular during the mid-20th century. Today, Ashton is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly used for boys than girls.
There are no specific historical figures associated with the name Ashton, but it has been used by several notable people throughout history. For example, Ashton Kutcher is an American actor and entrepreneur born Christopher Ashton Kutcher in 1978, while Ashton Shepherd is an American country music singer-songwriter born on April 24, 1986.
Overall, Ashton is a name with a rich history and an appealing sound that has made it popular among parents looking for a unique yet traditional name for their child. Its association with ash trees and settlements also gives it a connection to nature and community, making it a meaningful choice for parents who wish to convey these values through their child's name.
The name Ashton saw a significant rise in popularity between 1985 and 1989, with over 600 births each year during this period. However, it began to decline thereafter, dropping from 792 births in 1993 to just 117 births in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 19,458 births named Ashton since 1976.