"place of hawks, kite's settlement"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Keaton
Pronunciation: [ k-EET-uhn ]
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Hawk-sharp wit, cool as stone
English
American
Modern
Cool
Playful
Sophisticated
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The Story of Keaton
Keaton is an English surname that became a given name, derived from a place name. It likely comes from Old English 'cyta-tun,' meaning 'kite's place' or 'hawk's settlement' (cyta = bird of prey + tun = settlement). As a first name, Keaton spread through the celebrity halo of Buster Keaton, the legendary silent film comedian, and later Michael Keaton, who took it as his stage name.
Keaton gained momentum as a given name in the 1980s-2000s, following the broader trend of using actor surnames as first names. Michael Keaton's Batman films (1989, 1992) and his career renaissance with Birdman (2014) have kept the name in cultural circulation.
Buster Keaton (1895-1966) was one of the great geniuses of silent film, whose acrobatic, deadpan comedy and self-directed stunts made him a legend. His image of an unsmiling face amid chaos is one of cinema's most iconic. Michael Keaton (born Michael Douglas) took the stage name Keaton in homage.
Historical Record
Keaton first appeared in US Social Security records in 1963.
Over 21,744 babies have been named Keaton in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Keaton is past its peak , currently ranked #844 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Buster Keaton's nickname 'Buster' was given to him by Harry Houdini after he survived a fall down stairs as an infant
- Michael Keaton was born Michael Douglas but chose the stage name Keaton to avoid confusion with actor Michael Douglas
- Keaton is also the name of a fictional city in the DC Universe
Keaton in Other Languages
French
Keaton
German
Keaton
Spanish
Keaton
Popularity Over Time
#844
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 2000
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Keaton
M
Michael Keaton
Actor
1951
American actor known for playing Batman, Beetlejuice, and his Oscar-nominated role in Birdman
B
Buster Keaton
Actor
1895
American silent film actor and director known as 'The Great Stone Face,' considered one of the greatest filmmakers of th...
American silent film actor and director known as 'The Great Stone Face,' considered one of the greatest filmmakers of the silent era
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #844
- Total SSA Count
- 288
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Keat
K
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English 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
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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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Keaton
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Keaton is also used as a girl name, ranked #4979.
View Keaton as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Keaton
What does the name Keaton mean?
"place of hawks, kite's settlement" (from Old English). Keaton is an English surname that became a given name, derived from a place name. It likely comes from Old English 'cyta-tun,' meaning 'kite's place' or 'hawk's settlement' (cyta = bird of prey + tun = settlement). As a first name, Keaton spread through the celebrity halo of Buster Keaton, the legendary silent film comedian, and later Michael Keaton, who took it as his stage name.
What is the origin of the name Keaton?
Keaton has Old English, English, and American origins. In Old English, it means "place of hawks, kite's settlement".
Is Keaton a boy or girl name?
Keaton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #844. As a girl name, it is ranked #4979. Keaton is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Keaton?
Keaton is pronounced k-EET-uhn.
How popular is the name Keaton?
Keaton is currently ranked #844 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Keaton?
Common nicknames for Keaton include Keat.
What are good middle names for Keaton?
Popular middle name pairings include Keaton James, Keaton Cole, Keaton Grey, Keaton Riley, Keaton Thomas, and Keaton Reid.
What are good sibling names for Keaton?
Names that pair well with Keaton as siblings include Cooper, Harper, Greyson, Piper, Beckett, Sutton, and Declan.
How many syllables does Keaton have?
Keaton has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Keaton a common or rare name?
Keaton is moderately common, ranked #844 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Keaton
Keaton is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "place of hawks, kite's settlement" in Old English .
Is Keaton a boy or girl name? Keaton is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #844 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #4,979. Keaton is more commonly used as a boy name.
Keaton is currently ranked #844 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Keaton has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EET-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Keaton include Keat and K. 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