Delton is a rare and unique male given name of American origin. The name is believed to have been coined by the author Harold Bell Wright for his character Delton in the novel "The Shepherd of the Hills," published in 1907. The story takes place in the Ozark Mountains, and Delton is a young man who plays a significant role in the plot.
There isn't a universally agreed-upon meaning or origin for the name Delton beyond its creation by Wright. Some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Old English word "dæl" meaning "portion," but this connection is not widely accepted. Others propose that it could be a combination of the names Dell and Tony, but again, there's no concrete evidence to support this.
Despite its unclear origins, Delton has been used as a given name in the United States for several decades, though it remains relatively uncommon. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only a few dozen baby boys have been named Delton in each year since 1950, with the highest number recorded being 73 in 1962.
Delton may not have a rich history or clear meaning like many other names, but it possesses its own unique charm and appeal. Its rarity makes it distinctive, and its association with Harold Bell Wright's novel gives it a literary heritage that sets it apart from many other names. For those who appreciate uncommon and unique names, Delton is certainly worth considering.
"Delton saw a significant increase in popularity between 1908 and 1923, with the highest number of births recorded in 1921 at 69. The name's popularity then stabilized around 50-70 births per year until the mid-1940s. After that, it declined steadily, reaching a low point in recent years, with fewer than 30 births annually since 2001."