Ashton is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among parents seeking unique and interesting names for their children. The name Ashton is derived from the Old English words "æsc" meaning "ash tree," and "tun" which means "enclosure or settlement." Therefore, the literal translation of Ashton is "ash tree enclosure."
The earliest known usage of the name Ashton can be traced back to medieval England, where it was used as a surname. It originally referred to someone who lived near an ash tree grove or in an enclosure named after an ash tree. Over time, Ashton began to be used as a given name as well.
In literature, one notable appearance of the name Ashton is in Charlotte Brontë's classic novel "Jane Eyre," published in 1847. In the story, Mr. Rochester has a beloved horse named "Ashton," which contributes to the name's growing popularity during the Victorian era.
Today, Ashton remains popular as a given name for both boys and girls, though it is more commonly used for males. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Ashton was among the top 1000 most popular names for boys between 2000 and 2015.
Overall, Ashton is an attractive and distinctive name with a rich history that carries the appealing imagery of the ash tree and its protective enclosure. Its English origins and literary associations make it a compelling choice for parents seeking a meaningful and memorable name for their child.
The popularity of the name Ashton has seesawed dramatically over time. From 1881 to 1945, births were relatively low and fluctuated between 6 to 23 per year. However, starting from 1946, there was a significant increase, reaching 37 in 1977. The name gained substantial traction from the late 1970s onwards, with over 50 births annually since 1989. It peaked at 4215 births in 2003 and has remained popular, with around 2000 to 3000 births per year until 2022. Overall, there have been a total of 84443 births named Ashton since 1881.