Find out how popular the first name Caton has been for the last 46 years (from 1975 to 2020) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Caton by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Caton is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 77% of people named Caton being male.

For the most recent data in 2020, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Caton.

The history of the first name Caton

The name Caton originates from the Latin word "catus," meaning "wise" or "prudent." It is a masculine given name that gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages.

In ancient Roman times, the name Cato was a common cognomen (a third or fourth name) given to individuals known for their wisdom and prudence. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Marcus Porcius Cato, also known as Cato the Elder (234-149 BC), a Roman statesman, orator, and author.

The name Caton is believed to have emerged as a variant of Cato during the medieval period. It is possible that the addition of the "n" was influenced by the French language or other Romance languages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Caton can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears as "Catun" and is listed as a personal name.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Caton. One such figure was Caton de Utique (95-46 BC), a Roman statesman and Stoic philosopher who was a great-grandson of Cato the Elder. He is known for his unwavering principles and opposition to the dictatorial powers of Julius Caesar.

Another historical figure with the name Caton was Caton de Courtenaie (c. 1260-1322), a French nobleman and military commander who fought in the Hundred Years' War against the English.

In the 16th century, Sir Caton de Lacy (c. 1525-1598) was an English courtier and Member of Parliament during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

During the American Revolutionary War, Caton Woodward (1722-1805) was a prominent merchant and politician from Virginia who served as a representative in the Virginia General Assembly.

In the 19th century, Caton Otranto (1802-1867) was an Italian painter and sculptor known for his neoclassical works and portraits of notable figures in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.

While not as common as some other names, Caton has left its mark throughout history, carried by individuals from various walks of life, including statesmen, philosophers, military leaders, artists, and politicians.

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

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

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