The given name Payten is believed to have originated from the Old English language, with its roots tracing back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, spanning from the 5th to the 11th century AD. The name is derived from the Old English word "pægan," which means "pagan" or "heathen." It is thought to have been used as a descriptive name for those who followed the ancient pagan religions of the region before the widespread adoption of Christianity.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Payten can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landholdings and taxation commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086 AD. The name appears as "Pagtinus," which is believed to be an early variant spelling of Payten.

In the 12th century, a notable figure named Payten de Cestria, also known as Payten of Chester, was a prominent scholar and writer in England. He was born around 1092 AD and is known for his works on philosophy and theology, which were influential during the medieval period.

Another historical figure bearing the name Payten was Sir Payten Sutton, a knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War between England and France during the 14th century. He was born in 1320 AD and is recorded as having participated in several battles, including the Battle of Crecy in 1346.

In the realm of literature, one noteworthy individual with the name Payten was the English poet Payten Marshe, who lived during the 16th century. He was born in 1549 AD and is known for his contributions to the Elizabethan era of poetry in England.

Lastly, a prominent figure in the history of exploration was Payten Philips, an English navigator and explorer who sailed with Sir Walter Raleigh on his expeditions to the Americas in the late 16th century. Philips was born in 1561 AD and played a significant role in the early English colonization efforts in what is now North Carolina.

While the name Payten has ancient roots and has been documented throughout various historical periods, it is important to note that these examples are based on historical records and may not necessarily reflect the most comprehensive or accurate representations of individuals bearing this name.