Walton is an English surname and given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Old English words "weal" meaning "foreign" or "stranger," and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." Therefore, the name Walton can be translated to mean "settlement of strangers."
The name Walton has been in use for many centuries in England. It is believed to have originated as a habitational name for someone who lived at an estate known by this name. There are several places named Walton throughout England, with one of the earliest records being Waletone in Northamptonshire, which was listed in the Domesday Book of 1086.
In some cases, Walton may also have been used as a personal given name rather than just a surname. It has been used as a given name for boys since at least the 19th century. In fact, it gained some popularity during this time due to its use by characters in popular literature and theatre of the period.
Today, Walton is still most commonly found as a surname, but it can also be used as a given name. It has seen increased usage as a boys' name in recent years, particularly in English-speaking countries such as England, Wales, Australia, and Canada.
Overall, Walton is an interesting and historic name with a clear meaning and origin. Its Germanic roots give it a strong and somewhat mysterious sound, making it appealing to those looking for unique naming options.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Walton has seen a significant fluctuation in popularity over the years in the United States. The earliest data available is from 1880, with 7 births recorded that year. The number of births increased steadily throughout the late 1800s and early 1900s, reaching a peak of 244 births in 1917.
However, after this peak, the popularity of the name Walton began to decline. By the 1930s, the number of births had decreased significantly, with only 68 births recorded in 1934. This downward trend continued throughout much of the mid-20th century, with the lowest point reached in 1959, when there were only 40 births.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Walton has maintained a steady presence in the United States. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century and into the early 21st century, the number of births with the name Walton has fluctuated between around 10 and 50 per year. Interestingly, there was a brief resurgence in popularity in the late 2010s, with 41 births recorded in 2018 and 42 in 2020.
In total, over the course of the period from 1880 to 2022, there were 5796 births recorded for the name Walton in the United States. While it may not have been one of the most popular names during this time, it has nonetheless remained a relatively consistent presence throughout American naming history.