Layton

Meaning & origin

Layton is a surname-style given name that has steadily climbed in popularity since the mid-1980s. In 2025, it ranked 710th nationally, with a peak rank of 710 achieved that same year, reflecting its ongoing ascent. Approximately 1 in every 4,531 boys receives the name, a rarity that appeals to parents seeking a familiar yet uncommon choice. The name is most prevalent in South Dakota, Mississippi, and West Virginia, suggesting regional preference. Its trajectory has been consistently rising since 1986, aligning with broader trends favoring occupational and locative surnames as first names.

Layton is a transferred use of the English surname, itself derived from various place names meaning 'settlement where leeks or herbs are grown' (Old English lēac 'leek' + tūn 'enclosure, settlement'). As a given name, it gained traction in the late 20th century, following the trend of using surnames as first names. It has seen increasing use in the United States since the 1980s.