Caton is an unusual and distinctive given name, believed to have originated from the Latin word 'catus', which means 'clever' or 'sharp-witted'. It is often associated with the Catoni, a Roman plebeian family of ancient Rome, notably including the orator Lucius Sergius Catilina, who gave rise to the phrase 'Catiline conspirator' in reference to his political intrigues. The name Caton gained some prominence during the Middle Ages through the French philosopher Michel de l'Hospital, whose full name was Michel de l'Hôpital Caton. Today, Caton remains a rare choice for a first name, perhaps appealing to those seeking an uncommon yet historically resonant moniker.
"The name Caton saw a notable increase in popularity between 2002 and 2004, with the highest number of births recorded in those years. However, it's interesting to note that there were periods of decreased usage, such as between 1997 and 2000, and again after 2004."