Declining since 2016, #172 for boys today.
Popularity of Braxton since 1885
Babies named Braxton per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 15 |
| 1910s | 157 |
| 1920s | 230 |
| 1930s | 227 |
| 1940s | 191 |
| 1950s | 166 |
| 1960s | 166 |
| 1970s | 265 |
| 1980s | 872 |
| 1990s | 5,079 |
| 2000s | 13,905 |
| 2010s | 30,332 |
| 2020s | 14,215 |
Meaning & origin
Braxton emerged as a given name in the late 19th century, with its first recorded use in 1885. It experienced a dramatic surge in popularity beginning in the late 1990s, peaking at rank 79 in 2017. Since that peak year, its use has declined, though it remains a familiar choice. In 2025, the name ranked 172nd, with 1 in every 802 newborn boys receiving the name. Geographically, Braxton has been most popular in Vermont, West Virginia, and Montana, reflecting a strong presence in states with a preference for surname-style names. The name fits squarely within the modern trend of using English surnames as first names.
Braxton originated as an English surname, likely derived from a place name meaning 'Bracc's town' in Old English. It gained use as a given name in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, influenced by the trend of using surnames as first names. The name saw a significant rise in popularity during the 2000s and 2010s.
Where Braxton 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.
“Braxton” around the world
Where Braxton lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
New Zealand
31
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Brax
Sibling names for Braxton
Names that share Braxton's style, for a brother or sister.
Names like Braxton
Names whose popularity has moved with Braxton's over the last 50 years.
