What Does the Name Alton Mean?
The name Alton is of English origin and is derived from an Old English place name. The meaning of the name Alton is “town at the source of a river” or “old town”. It is also believed to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon words for “old” and “town”, which together mean “old town”.
History of the Name Alton
The name Alton has been in use since at least the 12th century. It was first recorded as a surname in England in 1273, when one William de Alton was listed in the Hundred Rolls of Norfolk. The name was also used as a given name in England during the Middle Ages, but it did not become popular until the 19th century.
Alton was brought to America by early settlers and has been used as a given name ever since. It has remained relatively popular throughout the years, although it has never been among the top 100 most popular names in any given year.
Popularity of the Name Alton
Alton is currently ranked #1,077 on Nameberry’s list of most popular baby names in 2020. This makes it a moderately popular choice for parents looking for something unique but not too out-of-the-ordinary. It is more popular than other similar names such as Alden (#1,845) and Altman (#2,919).
Alton is also a popular choice for parents who are looking for a gender-neutral name that can be used for either boys or girls. While it is traditionally seen as a masculine name, its soft sound and lack of strong gender associations make it suitable for both genders.
