The name Carlton has its origins in the Old English language and is derived from the words "carr" meaning a rock or a rocky place, and "tun" meaning an enclosure or a village. It is believed to have first emerged as a place name for a village or settlement located on rocky terrain. The earliest recorded use of the name Carlton as a personal name dates back to the 12th century in England.

One of the earliest known historical references to the name Carlton can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landholdings and wealth in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The book mentions several places with the name Carlton, indicating that it was already a well-established place name by that time.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Carlton de Carlton was recorded as a knight and landowner in Lincolnshire, England. This early example suggests that the name had begun to be adopted as a surname by prominent families during this period.

Moving forward to the 16th century, Sir Dudley Carlton (1573-1638) was an English diplomat and politician who served as Ambassador to the Netherlands and played a significant role in the Thirty Years' War. His diplomatic efforts and contributions to international relations have been well documented in historical records.

In the realm of literature, the name Carlton appears in the works of the renowned English novelist Jane Austen. One of her minor characters in the novel "Persuasion" is named Mr. Carlton, a clergyman who serves as the curate of a parish.

Another notable historical figure bearing the name Carlton is Sir Guy Carlton (1724-1808), a British Army officer who served as the Governor of Quebec and played a crucial role in the American Revolutionary War. His military strategies and governance during this turbulent period have been extensively documented in historical accounts.

During the 19th century, Carlton House in London, the former residence of the Prince of Wales (later King George IV), became a prominent landmark and was known for hosting lavish social events and gatherings of the aristocracy. The name Carlton was closely associated with this prestigious address, adding to its cultural significance.

These are just a few examples of the historical and cultural significance of the name Carlton, which has its roots in the Old English language and has been carried by notable individuals throughout history.