The name Stanton originates from the Old English words "stan" meaning stone and "tun" meaning town or village, referring to a settlement near a stone or rocky area. It likely emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, around the 5th to 11th centuries.

Stanton was a common place name in England, with many villages and towns bearing the name, such as Stanton Drew in Somerset and Stanton Lacy in Shropshire. The name eventually transitioned from a place name to a personal name, with some of the earliest recorded instances being Stanton of Baginton in the 12th century and Stanton de Stantun in the 13th century.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Stanton was Sir William Stanton, an English judge who served as Chief Justice of the King's Bench from 1461 to 1470 during the Wars of the Roses. He was a prominent figure in the legal system during the reigns of Henry VI and Edward IV.

In the 16th century, Edmund Stanton (c. 1511–1578) was an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament for Wiltshire and was involved in the dissolution of the monasteries under King Henry VIII. He played a role in the religious and political upheavals of the English Reformation.

During the 17th century, Stanton was a relatively common name in colonial America, with individuals like Thomas Stanton (c. 1616–1677), an English-born settler who became an interpreter and diplomat, serving as a liaison between the colonists and Native American tribes in New England.

In the 18th century, Stanton emerged as a prominent name in the American Revolutionary War, with individuals like Edmund Stanton (1749–1827), a Continental Army officer who fought in several major battles and later became a respected judge in Rhode Island.

Moving into the 19th century, Edwin M. Stanton (1814–1869) was a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as the 27th United States Secretary of War under President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. He played a crucial role in the Union's efforts during the conflict and was known for his organizational skills and dedication to the cause.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the name Stanton, showcasing its enduring presence across various periods and regions, particularly in England and the United States.