Declining since 2017, #338 for boys today.
Popularity of Paxton since 1921
Babies named Paxton per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1920s | 0 | 33 |
| 1930s | 0 | 16 |
| 1940s | 0 | 20 |
| 1950s | 0 | 28 |
| 1960s | 0 | 124 |
| 1970s | 0 | 332 |
| 1980s | 0 | 219 |
| 1990s | 558 | 959 |
| 2000s | 469 | 3,501 |
| 2010s | 697 | 15,404 |
| 2020s | 400 | 7,558 |
Meaning & origin
Paxton entered the U.S. naming charts in 1921, but its rise in popularity began in the 1990s, peaking in 2016 at rank 160. Since 2017, it has experienced a steady decline, falling to rank 338 by 2025. The name's one-in-1,729 frequency reflects its moderate use, with highest popularity in Hawaii, South Dakota, and Kentucky. Paxton fits the trend of surname-names ending in '-son' or '-ton,' sharing stylistic ground with names like Easton and Kason. While never reaching the top 100, it enjoyed a solid run in the 2000s and 2010s, appealing to parents seeking a modern, strong-sounding name with English roots.
Paxton is a transferred use of a habitational surname derived from a place name in England, meaning 'settlement of a man named Pœcc.' The Old English personal name Pœcc is of uncertain meaning. The name gained currency as a given name in the late 20th century, fitting the trend of using surname-inspired first names for boys.
Where Paxton 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: Pax
Sibling names for Paxton
Names that share Paxton's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Avery, Harper, Peyton, Reagan, Sawyer, Marli, Brilee, Maddyx, Lawsyn, Locklynn, Makenleigh
Brothers: Easton, Hayden, Kason, Landon, Mason, Maxton, Brexton, Colston, Daxon, Kaycen, Arrington, Deklin, Huxton, Madix, Mattox, Rexton, Slayton, Brasen, Braxson, Braxston, Dansby, Deakin, Dexton, Lexton, Pace, Rigdon, Thaxton, Brogen, Braxen, Brixten, Broxton, Draxton, Jettsen, Knoxton, Madyx, Maxten, Noxx, Piercen, Saxton, Stetsyn, Truxton
Names like Paxton
Names whose popularity has moved with Paxton's over the last 50 years.
