A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elton since 1880
Babies named Elton per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 129 |
| 1890s | 176 |
| 1900s | 368 |
| 1910s | 2,242 |
| 1920s | 3,535 |
| 1930s | 2,715 |
| 1940s | 2,321 |
| 1950s | 2,724 |
| 1960s | 1,630 |
| 1970s | 1,844 |
| 1980s | 1,077 |
| 1990s | 808 |
| 2000s | 694 |
| 2010s | 608 |
| 2020s | 482 |
Meaning & origin
Elton is an English surname-turned-given name that experienced its peak popularity in the 1910s, reaching its highest rank in 1915. After decades of decline, it has been rising again since 2012, reflecting a revival of vintage names. In 2025, the name was given to roughly 1 in 28,468 boys, placing it at rank 2,304. Its most common state occurrences are in Minnesota, California, and Texas, suggesting a broad but modest geographic spread. The name's straightforward sound and connection to the surname of legendary musician Elton John have helped maintain its familiarity.
Elton is an English surname and place name derived from Old English *Ælfla tūn* or *Ella's tūn*, meaning 'Ella's farmstead.' The first element is either the personal name *Ælf* (elf) or *Ella*, combined with *tūn* (enclosure, settlement). As a given name, it dates to the 19th century and gained modest popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1910s when it peaked.
Where Elton 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: El
Sibling names for Elton
Names that share Elton's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ella, Evelyn, Mae, Alice, Clara, Evonne, Elta, Arta, Jenita, Lenetta, Nelta, Odessie, Onita, Vonita, Wyona, Cleota, Elbony, Elky, Evonda, Arneta, Eltha, Laneta, Loneta, Seleta, Velvie, Veona, Wanona
Brothers: Elmer, Edwin, Arthur, Walter, Raymond, Terrance, Delmas, Delton, Elwyn, Lanell, Melton, Welton, Aldean, Alson, Clenton, Delford, Dolton, Izell, Alando, Ervey, Lilton, Maylon, Meldon, Valton, Veldon, Edenilson, Elward, Leroi, Neldon, Nolton, Oronde, Thelton, Velton, Wilmon
