"settlement by the stream"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Layton
Pronunciation: [ l-AYT-uhn ]
Does Layton flow with your last name?
A rising surname name with English countryside roots
American
English
Modern
Strong
Unique
Bold
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The Story of Layton
Layton is an Old English place name and surname meaning 'leek farm settlement' or 'settlement with a leek garden' (from 'leac' meaning leek and 'tun' meaning settlement). The name has transferred to use as a given name for both boys and girls in recent decades, following the American trend of using surnames and place names as first names.
As a girl's name, Layton has been rising since the 2010s, surfing the wave of gender-neutral surname names like Peyton, Payton, and Leighton. The success of reality TV star Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl) helped make this sound trendy for girls.
The use of traditionally masculine surname names for girls reflects a broader American naming trend emphasizing strength, modernity, and gender-neutral identity for women.
Historical Record
Layton first appeared in US Social Security records in 1991.
Over 1,081 babies have been named Layton in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Layton is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #2,058 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Leighton, a variant spelling, was popularized by actress Leighton Meester of Gossip Girl fame
- The name Layton appears in dozens of English villages as a place name suffix
Layton in Other Languages
French
Layton
German
Layton
Spanish
Layton
Popularity Over Time
#2,058
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Layton
L
Leighton Meester
Actor
1986
American actress known for playing Blair Waldorf in Gossip Girl
B
Blair Waldorf Fictional
Other
Iconic fashion-forward protagonist of the TV series Gossip Girl, associated with the name's modern glamour
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Compare Layton with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,058
- Total SSA Count
- 94
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Lay
Laytie
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
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
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Layton
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Layton is also used as a boy name, ranked #693.
View Layton as a boy name →Similar Names
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Hebrew via Latin origin
"grace, the gracious one"
#2,138 in US
Renlee
Girl
French-American combination origin
"reborn + meadow/clearing (Ren + Lee)"
#2,028 in US
Huntleigh
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Old English origin
"hunter's meadow"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Layton
What does the name Layton mean?
"settlement by the stream" (from Old English). Layton is an Old English place name and surname meaning 'leek farm settlement' or 'settlement with a leek garden' (from 'leac' meaning leek and 'tun' meaning settlement). The name has transferred to use as a given name for both boys and girls in recent decades, following the American trend of using surnames and place names as first names.
What is the origin of the name Layton?
Layton has Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "settlement by the stream".
Is Layton a boy or girl name?
Layton is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2058. As a boy name, it is ranked #693. Layton is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Layton?
Layton is pronounced l-AYT-uhn.
How popular is the name Layton?
Layton is currently ranked #2058 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Layton?
Common nicknames for Layton include Lay and Laytie.
What are good middle names for Layton?
Popular middle name pairings include Layton Grace, Layton Rose, Layton Marie, Layton Claire, Layton Anne, and Layton Jade.
What are good sibling names for Layton?
Names that pair well with Layton as siblings include Peyton, Parker, Quinn, Blake, Hayden, and Emery.
How many syllables does Layton have?
Layton has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Layton a common or rare name?
Layton is an uncommon name, ranked #2058 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Layton
Layton is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "settlement by the stream" in Old English .
Is Layton a boy or girl name? Layton is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,058 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #693. Layton is more commonly used as a boy name.
Layton is currently ranked #2,058 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Layton has 2 syllables and is pronounced l-AYT-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Layton include Lay and Laytie. 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