Denton is a unique and intriguing name of English origin. It is derived from an old English word "den" which means "valley". The name was initially used as a surname for someone who lived in or owned land in such a valley.
The earliest record of the name Denton can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was listed as a place name. Over time, the name has evolved and been adapted into various forms such as Dentone, Dentonell, and even Denison.
In terms of popularity, Denton is not a particularly common name today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there were only 28 babies named Denton in 2019, making it the 4,573rd most popular boys' name that year.
Despite its rarity, Denton has been worn by notable figures throughout history. For instance, Thomas R. Denton was a Union Army soldier during the American Civil War who received the Medal of Honor for his bravery in battle.
In literature and pop culture, Denton has also made appearances as a character name. For example, there is a character named Denton Crittenden in Mark Twain's novel "Roughing It," and actor Kyle Chandler played a character named John Denton in the 2014 film "The Spectacular Now."
Overall, Denton is an interesting and distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Its unique origin and relatively low popularity make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a name that is both meaningful and uncommon.
The name Denton experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable surge starting around 1917 and peaking in the late 1940s to early 1950s. Between 1942 and 1956, there were consistently high numbers of births each year, ranging from 40 to 65. However, since the mid-1980s, the popularity of the name has steadily declined, with fewer than 60 births per year recorded in recent years, reaching a low of 26 in 2021.