The name Colten is a modern variation of the English name Colton, which is derived from an Old English surname meaning "coal town" or "settlement of charcoal burners." The name is thought to have originated in the medieval period, when charcoal production was an important industry in many parts of England.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Colton can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions several places called "Colton" in various counties of England. However, it is unclear whether these place names were directly related to the surname or given name.

In the 13th century, the name Colton appeared as a surname in various historical records, such as the Pipe Rolls of Yorkshire and the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire. It is likely that the name transitioned from a surname to a given name during this period or shortly after.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Colton was Sir John Colton, a 14th-century English knight and member of Parliament. He was born around 1300 and served as a justice of the peace and a member of the House of Commons for Cambridgeshire.

Another notable figure with the name Colton was Walter Colton, an American clergyman and author who lived from 1797 to 1851. He served as a chaplain in the United States Navy and wrote several books, including "Ship and Shore" and "Deck and Port."

In the 19th century, the name Colton gained some popularity in the United States, particularly in the West. One prominent individual with this name was Reverend Benjamin Colton, a missionary and explorer who traveled extensively in the American West and Mexico in the 1830s and 1840s.

Another notable Colton was John Colton, an American playwright and screenwriter who lived from 1889 to 1946. He wrote several successful plays, including "The Shanghai Gesture" and "Rain," and also worked in Hollywood as a screenwriter for films such as "Arrowsmith" and "The Painted Veil."

A more recent individual with the name Colten was Colten Cobbush, a Canadian professional ice hockey player who was born in 1988. He played in various minor leagues and for the Canadian national team.

While the name Colten is a relatively modern spelling variation, it is rooted in the rich history of English surnames and place names, reflecting the industrial heritage of charcoal production in medieval England.