Rising since 1987, #3,036 for boys today.
Popularity of Holton since 1914
Babies named Holton per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 26 |
| 1920s | 33 |
| 1930s | 17 |
| 1940s | 22 |
| 1950s | 11 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 15 |
| 1990s | 114 |
| 2000s | 203 |
| 2010s | 364 |
| 2020s | 255 |
Meaning & origin
Holton is a modern English surname-turned-first-name that has been in use since at least 1914, when it first appeared in U.S. birth records. Its trajectory has been steadily rising since 1987, with a peak year in 2021, reflecting growing interest in surname-style names. In 2025, Holton ranked 3036th nationally, with an estimated 1 in 42,702 newborns receiving the name, indicating a rare but distinctive choice. The name has been most popular in Texas, alongside similar names like Colton and Holden. Its straightforward spelling and pronunciation, along with the nickname Holt, make it accessible. While its exact etymology is debated, likely pointing to an English place name, Holton fits comfortably within the contemporary trend of using occupational or locative surnames as first names.
Holton likely derives from an English surname originating from various places named Holton. These place names typically combine Old English 'hol' (hollow, slope) or 'halh' (nook, remote valley) with 'tūn' (enclosure, settlement). As a given name, Holton emerged in the late 19th or early 20th century, primarily in the United States, following the trend of using surnames as first names.
Where Holton is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Holt
Variants: Holtin
Sibling names for Holton
Names that share Holton's style, for a brother or sister.
