The name Shelton is of English origin and means "from the willow grove." It was initially a surname derived from Middle English place names such as Shelton in Shropshire or Shelton in Norfolk, which were themselves derived from Old English elements meaning "willow" and "settlement."
Shelton first appeared as a given name during the 19th century. Before that time, it was primarily used as a surname. Today, Shelton is considered a unique and distinctive male given name, though it can also be used for females.
One of the most notable figures with the surname Shelton is Thomas Shelton (1586-1646), an English translator and clergyman who translated "Don Quixote" into English in 1612. This translation helped to popularize Miguel de Cervantes's novel in England.
In summary, Shelton is a name with English roots that has evolved from being primarily a surname to becoming a distinctive given name for both males and females. Its meaning, "from the willow grove," adds a touch of nature to this unique moniker.
The statistics show a significant increase in the number of births with the name Shelton over time, with a total of 11,931 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. The earliest years had fewer than ten births per year, but by the late 1950s, there were consistently over 100 births each year. The peak occurred in 1972 with 179 births. However, since the mid-1980s, there has been a gradual decline in the number of annual births with the name Shelton, with only 25 births recorded in 2023.