"settlement by a bird-trap"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Fulton
Pronunciation: [ f-OOLT-uhn ]
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A vintage American surname with inventor spirit
American
English
Scottish
Vintage
Strong
Sophisticated
Classic
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"muddy farm or settlement"
Origin: Old English fugol + tun
Language: English
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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.
Historical Record
Fulton first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,526 babies have been named Fulton in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Fulton is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,072 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,072
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Fulton
F
Fulton J. Sheen
Religious
1895
American Catholic bishop and early television personality, host of Life Is Worth Living
R
Robert Fulton
Engineer
1765
American inventor who developed the first commercially successful steamboat, transforming American transportation
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See all →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
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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Fulton
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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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.
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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