Fulton

Pronunciation: [ f-OOLT-uhn ]

Boy Name #2,072 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A vintage American surname with inventor spirit

American English Scottish

Vintage Strong Sophisticated Classic

Meaning & Origin

"settlement by a bird-trap"

Origin: Old English

Language: English

"muddy farm or settlement"

Origin: Old English fugol + tun

Language: English

The Story of Fulton

Fulton is an English surname-turned-given-name derived from Old English place names meaning settlement by a muddy place or bird-trap settlement. It comes from the Old English elements fugol (bird) and tun (settlement, enclosure). As a surname, it was carried by Scottish and English families before transitioning into use as a given name in America during the 19th and 20th centuries.

Fulton has been experiencing a revival as part of the broader trend toward surname-style names with vintage Americana appeal. It fits alongside names like Colton, Weston, and Sutton that evoke frontier-era American character. The name gains appeal from its association with Robert Fulton, inventor of the first commercially successful steamboat.

Robert Fulton (1765-1815) was an American engineer who developed the first commercially successful steamboat, revolutionizing transportation and commerce in early America. The Fulton Fish Market in New York City (now Hunts Point Market) kept the name in New York consciousness for nearly two centuries.

Fun Facts

Robert Fulton's steamboat Clermont completed its first voyage on the Hudson River on August 17, 1807
Fulton Street is a major thoroughfare in Manhattan, named in honor of Robert Fulton

Fulton in Other Languages

French Fulton

German Fulton

English Fulton

Italian Fulton

Spanish Fulton

Famous People Named Fulton

Fulton J. Sheen

Religious

1895

American Catholic bishop and early television personality, host of Life Is Worth Living

Robert Fulton

Engineer

1765

American inventor who developed the first commercially successful steamboat, transforming American transportation

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,072
Total SSA Count: 73
Cultural Origins: American English Scottish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Fult Tony

Pairs Well With

Fulton James Fulton Lee Fulton William Fulton Grant Fulton Reid Fulton Charles Fulton Scott

Sibling Names

Colton Weston Clayton Piper Hadley Sutton Preston

Similar Names

Milton Clifton Dallas Alton Elton Walton Dalton Wells

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Fulton and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Fulton sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more boy names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

Frequently Asked Questions About Fulton

What does the name Fulton mean?

"settlement by a bird-trap" (from Old English). "muddy farm or settlement" (from Old English fugol + tun). Fulton is an English surname-turned-given-name derived from Old English place names meaning settlement by a muddy place or bird-trap settlement. It comes from the Old English elements fugol (bird) and tun (settlement, enclosure). As a surname, it was carried by Scottish and English families before transitioning into use as a given name in America during the 19th and 20th centuries.

What is the origin of the name Fulton?

Fulton has Old English, Old English fugol + tun, American, English, and Scottish origins. In Old English, it means "settlement by a bird-trap". In Old English fugol + tun, it means "muddy farm or settlement".

Is Fulton a boy or girl name?

Fulton is primarily used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Fulton?

Fulton is pronounced f-OOLT-uhn.

How popular is the name Fulton?

Fulton is currently ranked #2072 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Fulton?

Common nicknames for Fulton include Fult and Tony.

What are good middle names for Fulton?

Popular middle name pairings include Fulton James, Fulton Lee, Fulton William, Fulton Grant, Fulton Reid, Fulton Charles, and Fulton Scott.

What are good sibling names for Fulton?

Names that pair well with Fulton as siblings include Colton, Weston, Clayton, Piper, Hadley, Sutton, and Preston.

How many syllables does Fulton have?

Fulton has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Fulton a common or rare name?

Fulton is an uncommon name, ranked #2072 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Fulton

Fulton is a boy name with American, English, and Scottish origins . The name means "settlement by a bird-trap" in Old English .

Fulton is currently ranked #2,072 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Fulton has 2 syllables and is pronounced f-OOLT-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Fulton include Fult and Tony. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.