The name Dayton is believed to have its origins in the Old English language, derived from the combination of the words "dæg" meaning "day" and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." This suggests that the name may have originally referred to a settlement or town associated with a particular day or event.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Dayton can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086 to record the landholdings and population of England. In this document, the name appears as "Dægtun," referring to a location in the county of Wiltshire.

Throughout history, the name Dayton has been associated with several notable individuals. One of the earliest was Dayton Ogden (c. 1620-1698), an American colonial merchant and landowner who founded the town of Elizabethtown, New Jersey, in 1664.

Another prominent figure was Jonathan Dayton (1760-1824), a Revolutionary War officer and prominent politician who served as the third Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and a member of the Continental Congress. He played a significant role in the ratification of the United States Constitution.

In the literary world, Dayton Lummis (1825-1892) was an American author, historian, and journalist who wrote extensively about the American West and Native American cultures. His works include "A New Mexico David and Other Stories and Sketches of the Southwest" and "The Land of Poco Tiempo."

Dayton Clarence Miller (1866-1963) was an American physicist and acoustician, known for his pioneering work in the field of sound and vibration. He developed the Millerscope, an instrument used to visualize sound waves, and made significant contributions to the understanding of the behavior of sound.

In more recent times, Dayton Allen (1949-2004) was an American actor and voice artist, best known for his roles in films such as "The Howling" and "Cujo," as well as his voice work in various animated series and video games.

While these are just a few examples, the name Dayton has been carried by individuals from various walks of life throughout history, reflecting its enduring appeal and connection to its ancient roots.