Declining since 1985, #1,436 for boys today.
Popularity of Milton since 1880
Babies named Milton per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Milton's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,479 |
| 1890s | 1,745 |
| 1900s | 2,695 |
| 1910s | 17,522 |
| 1920s | 24,198 |
| 1930s | 15,729 |
| 1940s | 14,879 |
| 1950s | 14,578 |
| 1960s | 9,004 |
| 1970s | 4,695 |
| 1980s | 3,743 |
| 1990s | 2,833 |
| 2000s | 2,390 |
| 2010s | 1,632 |
| 2020s | 814 |
Meaning & origin
Milton is a classic English surname-turned-first name that saw its peak in the early 20th century, reaching rank 33 in 1912, when it was among the most popular choices for boys. Since the mid-1980s, its usage has steadily declined, falling to a rank of 1,436 in 2025, with only about 1 in 13,665 boys receiving the name. Historically, the name was especially prevalent in Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania, reflecting its strong roots in both Southern and Mid-Atlantic states. While no longer in common use, Milton retains a dignified, old-fashioned charm, often associated with the poet John Milton, though its fame as a given name stands independently of that literary connection.
Milton is an English surname and place name derived from Old English 'middel' (middle) and 'tun' (enclosure, settlement), or alternatively from 'mylen' (mill) and 'tun' (settlement), meaning 'middle settlement' or 'mill town'. It originated as a locational name for various places called Milton across England. As a given name, it saw modest use from the 17th century onward, with a notable peak in the United States during the early 20th century, fitting a pattern of using surnames as first names.
Where Milton 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: Milt
Variants: Milt
Sibling names for Milton
Names that share Milton's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Mildred, Edith, Florence, Lillian, Beatrice, Cleta, Marshell, Vernette, Francena, Marda, Mardella, Wynell, Marvie, Maryl, Vernona, Wilmoth, Lenis, Maysel, Milta, Romonda
Brothers: Walter, Harold, Clarence, Raymond, Chester, Fulton, Hobart, Jerrold, Milford, Arliss, Harlon, Melton, Sherwin, Welton, Burgess, Clenton, Dolton, Herchel, Marrion, Ogden, Raeford, Sandford, Barth, Chilton, Dervin, Lilton, Meldon, Motty, Thurl, Valton, Warden, Merlon, Bolton, Glyndon, Halton, Nolton, Wendle
Names like Milton
Names whose popularity has moved with Milton's over the last 50 years.
