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Carlton Boy

Popularity: #879 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKARL-tun / /ˈkɑːl.tən/

English; Old English

Meaning

English: from the town of Carl; Old English: free man

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Carlton is of Old English origin, derived from the elements "carl," meaning "man," and "tun," meaning "town" or "settlement." This etymological combination suggests a literal meaning of "settlement of free men" or "town of the men." The name first appeared in England as a place name, with several locations named Carlton, which were recorded in various forms throughout the medieval period. The transition into a personal name occurred as surnames began to evolve into given names during the late Middle Ages, particularly in the 14th century.

Historically, the name Carlton has been associated with various notable figures and locations. One significant milestone in its history is the use of the name in the 19th century, when it became more common as a first name, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name has been borne by several prominent individuals, including politicians and artists, contributing to its recognition. Additionally, the name has been featured in literature and popular culture, further embedding it within the English-speaking world.

Culturally, Carlton carries connotations of nobility and respectability, often associated with the upper classes in England. The name's roots in the concept of a settlement suggest a connection to community and heritage, which has allowed it to resonate through generations. The diminutive form "Carl" has also been used historically, though Carlton remains the more formal version. Overall, the name Carlton reflects a rich linguistic and cultural history, rooted in the social structures of medieval England.

Trend Summary

Carlton has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable peak in the 1990s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Carl
  • Carlie

International Variants

  • Carlo (Italian)
  • Karltin (Scandinavian)

Famous people named Carlton

Carlton Banks is a fictional character best known for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Carlton Cuse is a television producer best known for Lost, Bates Motel, and The Strain.

Carlton Fisk is a former professional baseball player best known for his time with the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox.

Fictional characters named Carlton

Carlton Banks is a fictional character from the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He is the preppy, wealthy cousin of the main character, Will Smith, known for his distinctive dance moves and conservative demeanor.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Carlton was first seen in the United States in 1880. Carlton has ranked as high as #516 nationally, which occurred in 1957, and has been most popular in New York, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Carlton has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Carlton (2024)

StateBirthsShare
FL 7
54%
GA 6
46%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188013
188116
188221
188319
188420
188518
188622
188713
188819
188929
189017
189122
189221
189321
189430
189527
189631
189728
189831
189931
190038
190141
190237
190333
190447
190548
190649
190749
190848
190961
191089
1911108
1912201
1913198
1914283
1915349
1916395
1917388
1918432
1919397
1920440
1921480
1922447
1923450
1924430
1925448
1926483
1927483
1928551
1929502
1930471
1931503
1932525
1933490
1934478
1935491
1936483
1937548
1938538
1939494
1940492
1941510
1942516
1943548
1944485
1945500
1946542
1947637
1948547
1949584
1950569
1951666
1952697
1953718
1954833
1955874
1956908
1957955
1958887
1959813
1960850
1961769
1962814
1963762
1964777
1965640
1966649
1967613
1968601
1969511
1970584
1971595
1972464
1973477
1974450
1975496
1976397
1977465
1978436
1979469
1980442
1981392
1982444
1983383
1984367
1985378
1986376
1987352
1988381
1989478
1990529
1991469
1992437
1993396
1994356
1995328
1996284
1997269
1998246
1999224
2000225
2001208
2002175
2003154
2004137
2005180
2006143
2007146
2008128
2009114
2010122
2011102
2012100
201387
201488
201599
201682
201772
201864
201969
202061
202155
202237
202348
202445