Find out how popular the first name Alton has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alton by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Alton is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Alton being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 101 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Alton.

The history of the first name Alton

The name Alton has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the words "ald" meaning old and "tun" meaning town or enclosure. It was initially a place name referring to an old town or settlement, often associated with rural areas in England.

In the Middle Ages, the name Alton was commonly used as a surname, particularly among families residing in or near places bearing this name. Over time, it transitioned into a given name, though its earliest recorded use as a first name is not entirely clear.

One of the earliest known references to the name Alton can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of landholdings and settlements in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions several places called Alton, indicating the name's prevalence as a place name during the Norman period.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Alton. One of the earliest was Alton of Flamstead (c. 1330-1399), an English clergyman and philosopher who wrote extensively on logic and metaphysics. Another prominent figure was Alton Brown (1562-1632), an English politician and landowner who served as a Member of Parliament during the reign of King James I.

In the 18th century, Alton Shrigley (1714-1788) was a notable English architect and surveyor who designed several churches and public buildings in the London area. During the American Revolutionary War, Alton Allen (1738-1823) was a patriot and militia leader from Vermont who played a significant role in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga.

In more recent times, Alton Pollard (1943-2022) was an American blues musician and songwriter known for his contributions to the Memphis blues scene. Alton Brown (born 1962) is a renowned American chef, author, and television personality, best known for hosting the popular food shows "Good Eats" and "Iron Chef America."

While the name Alton has its roots in Old English, it has been used across various cultures and languages over the centuries. Its enduring presence in history reflects its connection to rural settlements and the longevity of place names that have evolved into personal names.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alton was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alton, please contact us.

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