Keaton Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KEE-ton //ˈkiːtən//
Origin: Irish; English
Meaning: Irish: 'descendant of the warrior'; English: 'place name'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Keaton has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "cēat" meaning "a shed" or "a house" and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." This suggests a literal meaning of "the settlement by the shed" or "the town of the huts." The name likely evolved from various place names in England, particularly in regions where such settlements were common. The transition into modern English occurred through the gradual linguistic shifts that took place from Old English to Middle English, ultimately leading to its current form.
Historically, the name Keaton can be traced back to the 19th century, when it began to be used as a given name rather than merely a surname or place name. It gained some recognition through notable figures, such as the American actor Buster Keaton, who rose to fame in the silent film era during the early 20th century.
His influence in the film industry helped to popularize the name in cultural contexts, although it remained relatively uncommon as a first name until later. Culturally, the name Keaton carries connotations of creativity and artistry, largely due to its association with Buster Keaton and the silent film era, which is often celebrated for its innovation and impact on cinema.
The name's phonetic appeal and strong consonant sounds contribute to its resonance in various artistic fields. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Kea" may emerge in familial or affectionate contexts, although these are less documented historically.
Overall, Keaton reflects a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance that has allowed it to endure through the centuries.
Fictional characters named Keaton
Sibling suggestions
Similar names
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Keaton was first seen in the United States in 1925. Keaton has ranked as high as #660 nationally, which occurred in 2007, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Indiana, Ohio, and Iowa. In the past 5 years the name Keaton has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Keaton (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 21 | |
| PA | 17 | |
| FL | 17 | |
| TN | 16 | |
| CA | 13 | |
| IN | 11 | |
| KY | 11 | |
| MO | 11 | |
| OH | 10 | |
| GA | 10 | |
| IL | 9 | |
| AZ | 9 | |
| SC | 9 | |
| AL | 8 | |
| NY | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1925 | 5 |
| 1963 | 5 |
| 1970 | 5 |
| 1971 | 6 |
| 1972 | 7 |
| 1973 | 6 |
| 1974 | 8 |
| 1975 | 8 |
| 1976 | 12 |
| 1977 | 10 |
| 1978 | 24 |
| 1979 | 17 |
| 1980 | 26 |
| 1981 | 15 |
| 1982 | 23 |
| 1983 | 47 |
| 1984 | 69 |
| 1985 | 109 |
| 1986 | 131 |
| 1987 | 135 |
| 1988 | 163 |
| 1989 | 225 |
| 1990 | 283 |
| 1991 | 303 |
| 1992 | 373 |
| 1993 | 378 |
| 1994 | 444 |
| 1995 | 515 |
| 1996 | 525 |
| 1997 | 675 |
| 1998 | 717 |
| 1999 | 737 |
| 2000 | 761 |
| 2001 | 682 |
| 2002 | 670 |
| 2003 | 735 |
| 2004 | 794 |
| 2005 | 808 |
| 2006 | 781 |
| 2007 | 881 |
| 2008 | 833 |
| 2009 | 801 |
| 2010 | 804 |
| 2011 | 814 |
| 2012 | 749 |
| 2013 | 701 |
| 2014 | 694 |
| 2015 | 623 |
| 2016 | 548 |
| 2017 | 477 |
| 2018 | 518 |
| 2019 | 481 |
| 2020 | 369 |
| 2021 | 348 |
| 2022 | 315 |
| 2023 | 268 |
| 2024 | 288 |