What does Colton mean and where does it come from?
Traditionally a male name, Colton has seen usage for females as well, particularly in contemporary naming practices. The name has Old English roots and was originally used to denote someone from a particular location. It gained popularity in the United States during the late 20th century. Notable in
Cultural significance
Colton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #59 in 2019 — currently #94 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Colton?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Colton?
Colton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Colton Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Colton Rose
Floral · soft ending
Colton Mae
Sweet · timeless
Colton Claire
French influence · crisp
Colton Jane
Literary · strong
Colton Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Colton right now?
Holding steady — currently #94 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #94 | 3,705 | ▼ down 3 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #91 | 3,925 | ▼ down 16 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #75 | 4,562 | ▼ down 9 · -8% births |
| 2020 | #66 | 4,980 | ▼ down 6 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #60 | 6,300 | ▲ up 13 · +19% births |
| 2010 | #73 | 5,316 | ▲ up 82 · +100% births |
| 2005 | #155 | 2,657 | ▼ down 45 · -22% births |
| 2000 | #110 | 3,410 | ▼ down 5 · -5% births |
| 1995 | #105 | 3,586 | ▲ up 34 · +61% births |
| 1990 | #139 | 2,232 | ▲ up 542 · +1205% births |
| 1985 | #681 | 171 | ▲ up 1030 · +403% births |
| 1980 | #1711 | 34 | ▼ down 171 |
| 1975 | #1540 | 34 | ▲ up 543 · +79% births |
| 1970 | #2083 | 19 | ▲ up 140 · +36% births |
| 1965 | #2223 | 14 | — |
The story of Colton
Colton entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. Its peak popularity was #59 in 2019. More than 132,729 babies have been named Colton since 1913. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3339 in 1920 to #94 in 2023. Colton is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Colton in 2019:
Colton by decade
Colton peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 28 | |
| 1930s | 24 | |
| 1940s | 24 | |
| 1950s | 59 | |
| 1960s | 131 | |
| 1970s | 269 | |
| 1980s | 3,997 | |
| 1990s | 30,525 | |
| 2000s | 34,288 | |
| 2010s ★ | 58,393 | |
| 2020s | 4,980 | |
What are good nicknames for Colton?
What names sound and feel like Colton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Colton also consider these
How is Colton written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Colton
What does the name Colton mean?
Colton means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Colton?
Colton is currently ranked #94 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Colton?
Colton originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Colton?
Colton is a two-syllable name pronounced K OW1 L T AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Colton more of a girl or boy name?
Colton is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.