Peighton

Meaning & origin

Peighton is a modern invented name that emerged in the early 1990s as a variant of the established surname-derived name Peyton. Its first recorded use in the U.S. was in 1992, and it quickly gained favor among parents seeking a distinctive spelling. The name reached its peak popularity in 2010, but has been on a steady decline since 2011. Today, with a rank of 5,554 and a rarity of 1 in 73,058 newborns, it retains a modest level of use. Peighton's popularity was concentrated in the 2010s, a decade that saw many creative respellings of traditional names. Its top states are not specified, but the name is most common in areas where Peyton and its variants are popular. As a feminine name, Peighton reflects the broader trend of surname-names and unique spellings for girls. While its etymology is ultimately uncertain, the name is clearly inspired by the English surname place name, making it a modern, style-driven choice.

Peighton is a modern spelling variant of Payton or Peyton, itself derived from the Old English place name 'Pæga's tun' (meaning 'Pæga's settlement'). The spelling 'Peighton' emerged in the late 20th century as part of the trend of creating unique name forms by altering conventional spellings. It gained popularity in the United States after 1992, particularly in the 2000s, as an elaboration on the popular Peyton.