Declining since 1992, #4,707 for boys today.
Popularity of Shelton since 1880
Babies named Shelton per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1972, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Shelton's real moment was 1910.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 61 |
| 1890s | 55 |
| 1900s | 103 |
| 1910s | 478 |
| 1920s | 777 |
| 1930s | 834 |
| 1940s | 1,107 |
| 1950s | 1,361 |
| 1960s | 1,483 |
| 1970s | 1,511 |
| 1980s | 1,246 |
| 1990s | 1,358 |
| 2000s | 934 |
| 2010s | 513 |
| 2020s | 152 |
Meaning & origin
Shelton has seen a significant decline in use since its peak in 1910, when it ranked highest in the U.S. The name has been falling in popularity since 1992, reflecting a broader shift away from traditional surname names. In 2025, Shelton was given to roughly 1 in 81,337 boys, placing it at rank 4,707. The name remains a distinctive, classic choice with strong English roots, evoking a sense of heritage and place. While less common today, it retains a solid, familiar sound that fits with modern revival trends for vintage names.
Shelton is an English surname-turned-given name derived from a place name. The surname originates from various locations in England called Shelton, from Old English 'scylf' (shelf, ledge) and 'tun' (enclosure, settlement). It began to be used as a first name in the late 19th century, following the fashion for surnames as given names.
Where Shelton 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.
“Shelton” around the world
Where Shelton lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shel, Tony
Sibling names for Shelton
Names that share Shelton's style, for a brother or sister.
