"old town, settlement"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Alton
Pronunciation: [ AWLT-uhn ]
Does Alton flow with your last name?
A solid Old English place name with quiet dignity
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The Story of Alton
Alton is an Old English place name meaning 'old town' or 'settlement at the source of a river' — from Old English 'ald' (old) and 'tun' (settlement, town). It was primarily a surname derived from the place name Alton in Hampshire, England. Like many English surnames, it transitioned to use as a given name, particularly in American South and Midwest, where it was popular in the early-to-mid 20th century.
Alton was most popular in the American South between the 1920s and 1960s, when geographic surnames as first names were fashionable. It has been declining since then as naming trends shifted. The name has a devoted vintage following among parents who appreciate its sturdy, unpretentious character.
Alton, Illinois, is a significant city in American history — Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held one of their famous debates there in 1858, and it was a hub of the Underground Railroad. The name carries a sense of American heartland history.
Historical Record
Alton first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 20,532 babies have been named Alton in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Alton is past its peak , currently ranked #1,572 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Alton Brown is America's most recognizable food science television personality, known for Good Eats
- The town of Alton, Hampshire, England, dates back to Roman times and gave rise to the name
Alton in Other Languages
English
Alton
Spanish
Alton
Popularity Over Time
#1,572
Current Rank
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Alton
A
Alton Brown
Entertainer
1962
American food writer, television personality, and host of Good Eats and Iron Chef America
A
Alton Ellis
Musician
1938
Jamaican singer known as the 'Godfather of Rocksteady,' one of Jamaica's most influential musicians
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,572
- Total SSA Count
- 110
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Al
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Alton
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Alton is also used as a girl name, ranked #70430.
View Alton as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alton
What does the name Alton mean?
"old town, settlement" (from Old English). Alton is an Old English place name meaning 'old town' or 'settlement at the source of a river' — from Old English 'ald' (old) and 'tun' (settlement, town). It was primarily a surname derived from the place name Alton in Hampshire, England. Like many English surnames, it transitioned to use as a given name, particularly in American South and Midwest, where it was popular in the early-to-mid 20th century.
What is the origin of the name Alton?
Alton has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "old town, settlement".
Is Alton a boy or girl name?
Alton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1572. As a girl name, it is ranked #70430. Alton is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Alton?
Alton is pronounced AWLT-uhn.
How popular is the name Alton?
Alton is currently ranked #1572 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Alton?
Popular middle name pairings include Alton James, Alton Ray, Alton Lee, Alton Wayne, Alton Gene, and Alton Dale.
What are good sibling names for Alton?
Names that pair well with Alton as siblings include Clarence, Elton, Vernon, Edna, Norma, Earl, and Myrtle.
How many syllables does Alton have?
Alton has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Alton a common or rare name?
Alton is an uncommon name, ranked #1572 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Alton
Alton is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "old town, settlement" in Old English .
Is Alton a boy or girl name? Alton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,572 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,430. Alton is more commonly used as a boy name.
Alton is currently ranked #1,572 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Alton has 2 syllables and is pronounced AWLT-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Alton include Al. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis