Find out how popular the first name Claxton has been for the last 1 years (from 2011 to 2011) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Claxton by gender

Based on the last 1 years of data, Claxton is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2011, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Claxton.

The history of the first name Claxton

The name Claxton finds its origins in the English language, tracing back to the Middle Ages. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "clæg" and "tun," which together translate to "clay town" or "town of clay." This suggests that the name may have initially referred to a settlement or village located in an area abundant with clay soil, potentially tied to pottery-making or brick-making industries.

During the medieval period, the name Claxton appeared as a place name, referring to various villages and localities across England. Historical records show that as early as the 11th century, the name was used to identify settlements in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Yorkshire. Over time, it transitioned into a surname for families residing in these areas, and eventually, some individuals adopted it as a given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of Claxton as a first name can be found in the court records of King Edward III, who ruled England from 1327 to 1377. The records mention a certain Claxton de Norwich, a merchant who was involved in a legal dispute over trade goods in the year 1349. While details about his life are scarce, this reference provides evidence of the name's usage during the 14th century.

In the 15th century, a notable figure bearing the name Claxton was Sir William Claxton, a knight and landowner from Northumberland. He fought in the Wars of the Roses, supporting the Yorkist cause, and was awarded lands and titles for his service to King Edward IV. Sir William Claxton lived from approximately 1425 to 1492.

Moving forward to the 16th century, Claxton Smyth was a prominent English scholar and theologian. Born around 1515 in Lincolnshire, he studied at the University of Cambridge and later became a respected academic and author, publishing several works on religious subjects. Claxton Smyth's exact date of death is unknown, but historical records suggest he lived until at least the late 1500s.

In the 17th century, Claxton Pym was a notable English politician and member of the Long Parliament during the tumultuous period of the English Civil War. Born in 1602 in Somerset, he played a significant role in the parliamentary opposition to King Charles I and was a vocal advocate for religious reforms. Claxton Pym died in 1643, shortly after the outbreak of the civil war.

Another figure of historical importance was Claxton Browne, an English explorer and navigator who lived in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Born in 1675 in Devon, Browne embarked on several voyages to the Americas and the West Indies, contributing to the mapping and exploration of new territories. He passed away in 1738 at the age of 63.

These examples illustrate the historical presence and diversity of individuals who bore the name Claxton throughout various periods and contexts, ranging from scholars and politicians to knights and explorers. While the name may have originated from humble beginnings, referring to a settlement shaped by clay, it has been carried by notable figures across centuries of English history.

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

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