Charlton is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "ceorl" which means "free man". The name Charlton has been associated with various historical figures throughout history, including Charlton Heston, an Academy Award-winning actor known for his roles in films like "The Ten Commandments" and "Ben-Hur".
In terms of its popularity, Charlton is not a particularly common name. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has never ranked among the top 1000 most popular boys' names in the United States since records began being kept in the early 20th century.
Despite its relative rarity, Charlton carries with it a sense of prestige and uniqueness. Its origins as an Old English word for "free man" suggest strength, independence, and courage. Furthermore, due to its uncommonness, those named Charlton often stand out and are easily remembered.
In terms of spelling variations, Charlton is sometimes spelled Charlston or Charleton. However, the most common spelling remains Charlton. Overall, Charlton is a name that carries with it a rich history and a unique identity, making it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Charlton has seen a varied trend of popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was given to around 5-7 boys each year between 1888 and 1914, with a notable spike to 21 births in 1915.
The name's popularity grew significantly from the mid-1950s onwards. Between 1953 and 1964, Charlton was given to an average of around 50 boys each year, peaking at 82 births in 1971. This trend continued into the early 1980s, with around 40-60 boys named Charlton annually between 1970 and 1987.
However, from the mid-1980s onwards, the popularity of the name began to decline. Between 1988 and 2023, there have been fewer than 50 births of Charlton each year in the United States, with a low of just 9 births in 2023.
Overall, since 1888 until 2023, a total of 3507 boys were named Charlton in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, Charlton remains a distinctive and classic name choice for parents looking for something unique yet timeless.