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

Popularity of Carleton by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Carleton is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Carleton.

The history of the first name Carleton

Carleton is an English name derived from the Old English words "cær" meaning rock or stony place, and "tun" meaning town or settlement. It originated as a place name referring to a town located near rocky terrain or a stony area. The name has its roots in the medieval period and was initially used as a surname for people hailing from such settlements.

The earliest recorded use of Carleton as a given name dates back to the late 16th century. One of the first notable individuals with this name was Sir Dudley Carleton (1573-1632), an English diplomat and politician who served as Secretary of State under King Charles I.

Another historical figure was Guy Carleton (1724-1808), a British army officer who served as the Governor of the Province of Quebec during the American Revolutionary War. He played a crucial role in defending Canada against the American invasion efforts.

In the literary realm, Carleton Fairchild (1879-1933) was an American author and playwright known for his satirical works, including the novel "The Genius" and the play "The Valiant."

Moving into the modern era, Carleton Coon (1904-1981) was an American anthropologist and professor at Harvard University, renowned for his work on the origins and classification of human races.

Carleton Putnam (1901-1998) was an American industrialist, philanthropist, and author who expressed controversial views on race and immigration in his book "Race and Reason."

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Carleton, showcasing its enduring presence across various fields and eras.

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 Carleton was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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