Declining since 2003, #3,314 for boys today.
Popularity of Kelton since 1914
Babies named Kelton per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 48 |
| 1920s | 72 |
| 1930s | 104 |
| 1940s | 129 |
| 1950s | 172 |
| 1960s | 251 |
| 1970s | 310 |
| 1980s | 357 |
| 1990s | 1,468 |
| 2000s | 2,006 |
| 2010s | 1,373 |
| 2020s | 350 |
Meaning & origin
Kelton first appeared on the U.S. naming charts in 1914, but it remained a rarity for decades. Its peak year came in 2002, when the name reached its highest rank. Since 2003, however, Kelton has been on a gradual decline, and in 2025 it ranked 3314, with roughly 1 in every 48,802 newborn boys receiving the name. The name's trajectory suggests it has never achieved widespread popularity, maintaining a low but steady presence throughout its history. Kelton has strong ties to English and Scottish heritage, with an etymological root in Old Norse via the name Ketel. Despite its modest usage, Kelton has never appeared among the top state rankings, indicating its appeal is scattered rather than concentrated regionally. For parents drawn to surname-style first names with a clear, grounded history, Kelton offers a distinctive yet straightforward choice.
Kelton is an English surname transferred to given name use, derived from a habitational name for someone from a place called Kelton, such as in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The place name itself comes from the Old English personal name 'Ketel' (a form of Old Norse 'Ketill', meaning 'cauldron' or 'helmet') and 'tūn', meaning 'enclosure' or 'settlement'. It has been used as a given name since the early 20th century, particularly in the United States.
Where Kelton 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: Kel, Kelt
Sibling names for Kelton
Names that share Kelton's style, for a brother or sister.
