Find out how popular the first name Colton has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Colton by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Colton is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Colton being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 3,696 male babies and 7 female babies born with the name Colton.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 7 baby girls were named Colton in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Colton

The name Colton has its origins rooted in English and Anglo-Saxon cultures, with the earliest records dating back to the 11th century. It is believed to be derived from the Old English words "col" meaning coal or charcoal, and "tun" meaning a farm or settlement. Thus, the name Colton initially referred to a person residing in a settlement or farm associated with coal mining or charcoal production.

One of the earliest documented instances of the name Colton can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and resources commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This record mentions several places in England with the name Colton, suggesting the name's usage at that time.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Colton appeared in the historical records. Sir John Colton was a prominent English knight who served under Edward I and participated in the Scottish Wars of Independence. He was born around 1260 and played a significant role in the siege of Caerlaverock Castle in 1300.

Another historical figure bearing the name Colton was John Colton, an English prelate who served as the Archbishop of Armagh in Ireland from 1382 to 1404. He was a respected figure in the Catholic Church and played a crucial role in the ecclesiastical affairs of his time.

In the realm of literature, one of the earliest references to the name Colton can be found in the works of Geoffrey Chaucer, the renowned English poet and author of "The Canterbury Tales." In his poem "The Book of the Duchess," Chaucer mentions a character named "Sir Colton," indicating the name's usage during the late 14th century.

Moving forward in time, Sir Henry Colton was an influential English politician and judge who lived during the 16th century. He served as a Member of Parliament and later became a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas, further solidifying the name's presence in English history.

Another noteworthy figure was Samuel Colton, an American author and publisher born in 1822. He is best known for his works on the history and geography of the American West, including "A Tour of the Lakes" and "A Traveler's Guide to the American Scenery."

These examples illustrate the long-standing history and usage of the name Colton across various periods and contexts, ranging from military and religious figures to literary and political personalities, solidifying its enduring legacy as a given name with deep roots in English and Anglo-Saxon traditions.

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

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

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