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Colton Boy

Popularity: #97 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKOL-ton / /ˈkoʊltən/

English; Old English

Meaning

From the coal town; town of the dark-haired one

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Colton is of English origin, derived from a surname that originally referred to someone who lived in or near a coal town. The etymology traces back to the Old English elements "col," meaning coal, and "tun," meaning town or settlement. This suggests that the name literally means "coal town" or "town near coal." The surname Colton first appeared in England during the medieval period, and it was used to denote geographical locations, particularly in regions where coal mining was prevalent. Over time, the surname transitioned into a given name, particularly in the 19th century, as naming conventions evolved and surnames began to be adopted as first names in English-speaking cultures.

Historically, the name Colton is associated with various places in England, such as Colton in Staffordshire and Colton in Norfolk, which further solidified its geographical significance. The use of Colton as a given name gained traction in the United States during the 20th century, reflecting a broader trend of adopting surnames as first names. While there are no prominent historical figures specifically named Colton in ancient texts or notable historical records, the name's connection to coal mining and industrial towns resonates with the historical development of the English landscape during the Industrial Revolution.

Culturally, the name Colton evokes associations with strength and industriousness, reflecting the hard-working nature of coal miners and the communities built around coal mining. This connection to labor and community has contributed to the name's endurance over time. Additionally, diminutive forms such as Colt have emerged, often used informally, which maintain the name's rugged and masculine connotations. Overall, Colton encapsulates a blend of geographical heritage and cultural significance, rooted in the historical context of England's industrial past.

Trend Summary

Colton has seen a steady increase in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Colten
  • Colt

International Variants

Famous people named Colton

Colton Haynes is an actor best known for Teen Wolf, Arrow, and The Gates.

Colton Underwood is a television personality best known for The Bachelor, The Bachelorette, and Coming Out Colton.

Fictional characters named Colton

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Colton was first seen in the United States in 1913. Colton has ranked as high as #95 nationally, which occurred in 2013, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Colton has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Colton (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 247
7%
TX 224
7%
FL 201
6%
OH 179
5%
NC 175
5%
PA 162
5%
MI 150
4%
NY 146
4%
GA 138
4%
TN 130
4%
VA 114
3%
IN 109
3%
KY 107
3%
MD 93
3%
AL 89
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19136
19165
19208
19215
19255
19265
19275
19315
19325
19385
19399
19407
19435
19446
19476
195011
19516
19535
19546
19568
19579
19586
19598
19607
196116
196211
19639
196411
196514
196618
196712
196816
196916
197018
197117
197223
197325
197427
197534
197631
197730
197826
197933
198034
198149
1982122
1983118
1984130
1985173
1986236
1987324
1988880
19891,925
19902,235
19912,246
19922,548
19932,750
19942,857
19953,587
19963,788
19973,600
19983,573
19993,288
20003,410
20013,246
20023,047
20032,953
20042,955
20052,657
20063,003
20073,657
20084,550
20094,771
20105,320
20115,601
20126,362
20136,488
20146,401
20156,314
20165,623
20175,294
20185,314
20195,738
20205,022
20214,562
20223,925
20233,705
20243,588