The given name Charlton has its origins in Old English, deriving from the combination of two words: "ceorl," meaning a free man or peasant, and "tun," meaning an enclosure or village. This suggests that the name was initially used to describe someone who lived in a village inhabited by freemen or peasants.

During the Anglo-Saxon period in England, which lasted from the 5th to the 11th century, the name Charlton became more widespread. It was commonly used as a surname to identify individuals from specific locations, such as Charlton in Shropshire or Charlton in Wiltshire.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Charlton was Sir Job Charlton, an English judge and Chief Justice of the Common Pleas from 1689 to 1692. He played a significant role in the Glorious Revolution, supporting the accession of William III and Mary II to the English throne.

In the 18th century, Charlton Heston, an English-born American actor, gained recognition for his roles in epic historical films like "The Ten Commandments" (1956) and "Ben-Hur" (1959). He was born in 1923 and passed away in 2008, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

Another notable figure with the name Charlton was Charlton Heston Brown, an American politician who served as the 51st Governor of West Virginia from 1977 to 1985. He was born in 1924 and dedicated his career to public service and education reform.

In the literary world, Charlton Ogburn Jr. was an American author and biographer best known for his works on the lives of prominent figures such as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. He was born in 1911 and passed away in 1998.

Lastly, Charlton Lees Lea was an American businessman and philanthropist who co-founded the Lea & Perrins Worcestershire sauce company in the 19th century. He was born in 1784 and played a significant role in the development of the iconic condiment that bears his name.

Through these examples, it becomes evident that the given name Charlton has been associated with individuals from various walks of life, including judges, actors, politicians, authors, and entrepreneurs, spanning several centuries of history.