The given name Leighton is an English name with origins dating back to the medieval era. It is derived from the Old English words "leah" meaning a meadow or woodland clearing, and "tun" meaning an enclosure or settlement. The name essentially refers to a settlement or village located in a meadow or clearing.

Leighton first emerged as a surname in areas of England such as Shropshire, Cheshire, and Lancashire during the 11th and 12th centuries. It was initially used as a locational surname, identifying people who hailed from various places called Leighton. Over time, some bearers of the surname adopted it as a given name.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Leighton can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions several locations with names like Leitone and Lestone. These places likely gave rise to the surname and subsequently the given name.

In the 13th century, Sir Leighton de Leighton was a notable figure who served as a knight and landowner in Cheshire. He was part of the English gentry during the reign of King Henry III.

During the Renaissance period, Leighton Blohum (c. 1550-1612) was an English composer and organist who contributed to the development of English church music.

In the 17th century, Leighton Woodmass (1617-1684) was an English clergyman and writer who served as a chaplain to King Charles II.

A more modern example is Leighton Rees (1909-2003), a Welsh art historian and writer who specialized in the study of Celtic art and archaeology.

Another notable bearer of the name was Leighton Buzzard (1873-1950), an English actor and comedian who performed in various music hall and vaudeville shows during the early 20th century.

While the name Leighton has English origins, it has also been adopted in other cultures and languages over time, though the historical details may vary.