Kelton is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "celtan," which means "stranger" or "foreigner." The name has been used in various forms throughout history, but it gained popularity during the mid-20th century.
The earliest known use of Kelton can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was used as a surname. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that Kelton began to be used as a given name in significant numbers. This trend continued throughout the latter half of the century and into the early 2000s.
One notable figure with the given name Kelton is Kelton Crammer, an American football player who played for the Washington Huskies from 1976 to 1980. Crammer's popularity may have contributed to the increase in the usage of the name during this time period.
Today, Kelton remains a relatively rare given name but continues to be used by parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. Its historical ties to the English language and its distinctive sound make it an appealing choice for those looking for a name that stands out from more common options.
The name Kelton experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a notable spike starting around 1989 (71 births) and peaking in 2002 (226 births). However, after reaching its peak, the popularity of the name began to decline steadily, dropping below 50 births per year as of 2022.