Alton

Pronunciation: [ AWLT-uhn ]

Boy Name #1,572 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A solid Old English place name with quiet dignity

English American

Vintage Strong Classic Traditional Earthy

Meaning & Origin

"old town, settlement"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Alton

Alton Brown

Entertainer

1962

American food writer, television personality, and host of Good Eats and Iron Chef America

Alton Ellis

Musician

1938

Jamaican singer known as the 'Godfather of Rocksteady,' one of Jamaica's most influential musicians

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

Pairs Well With

Alton James Alton Ray Alton Lee Alton Wayne Alton Gene Alton Dale

Sibling Names

Clarence Elton Vernon Edna Norma Earl Myrtle

Also a Girl Name

Alton is also used as a girl name, ranked #70430.

View Alton as a girl name →

Similar Names

Milton Wilson Clifton Dallas Elton Walton Eldon Dalton

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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 common nicknames for Alton?

Common nicknames for Alton include Al.

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.