Declining since 1985, #8,910 for boys today.
Popularity of Barton since 1880
Babies named Barton per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1960, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Barton's real moment was 1888.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 95 |
| 1890s | 67 |
| 1900s | 70 |
| 1910s | 374 |
| 1920s | 692 |
| 1930s | 856 |
| 1940s | 1,371 |
| 1950s | 1,783 |
| 1960s | 1,878 |
| 1970s | 1,015 |
| 1980s | 691 |
| 1990s | 235 |
| 2000s | 117 |
| 2010s | 95 |
| 2020s | 32 |
Meaning & origin
Barton is a classic English surname-turned-first-name that enjoyed its peak popularity in 1888, when it ranked highest among recorded years. After a long period of decline, it has become a rare choice: as of 2025, the name ranks 8,910 and appears in roughly 1 in 213,510 births. Its trajectory has been falling steadily since 1985, placing it among the less common traditional names. The name's agricultural roots give it a sturdy, down-to-earth appeal, and it remains a recognizable yet uncommon option for parents seeking an old-fashioned surname-style name.
Barton is an English habitational surname transferred to given-name use. It derives from Old English bere 'barley' and tūn 'enclosure, settlement', meaning 'barley farm'. The name was brought to prominence as a middle or last name before occasional adoption as a first name in the 19th century.
Where Barton is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Bart
Sibling names for Barton
Names that share Barton's style, for a brother or sister.
