What does Hampton mean and where does it come from?
Originally a surname, Hampton has gained popularity as a first name, particularly in the United States. It is derived from an Old English place name meaning 'home by the river' or 'homestead by the river'. The name evokes images of peaceful riverside communities. While predominantly used for males i
Cultural significance
Hampton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of home by the river.
Peak popularity
Reached #1444 in 2025 — currently #1444 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hampton?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Hampton?
Hampton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hampton Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Hampton John
One syllable · timeless choice
Hampton Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Hampton Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Hampton Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Hampton Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Hampton right now?
Rising fast — up 78 spots — currently #1444 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1444 | 124 | ▲ up 78 · +7% births |
| 2024 | #1522 | 116 | ▲ up 238 · +25% births |
| 2023 | #1760 | 93 | ▼ down 130 · -13% births |
| 2022 | #1630 | 107 | ▼ down 30 |
| 2021 | #1600 | 107 | ▲ up 7293 · +873% births |
| 2020 | #8893 | 11 | ▼ down 896 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #7997 | 14 | ▲ up 6981 · +133% births |
| 2010 | #14978 | 6 | ▲ up 1518 · +20% births |
| 2005 | #16496 | 5 | — |
The story of Hampton
Hampton is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1998. With 4,381 total births recorded, Hampton remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16496 in 2005 to #1760 in 2023. Hampton is used for both genders: 3% female and 97% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hampton in 2025:
Hampton by decade
Hampton peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 77 | |
| 1890s | 80 | |
| 1900s | 124 | |
| 1910s | 361 | |
| 1920s | 467 | |
| 1930s | 340 | |
| 1940s | 318 | |
| 1950s | 275 | |
| 1960s | 213 | |
| 1970s | 142 | |
| 1980s | 168 | |
| 1990s | 316 | |
| 2000s | 551 | |
| 2010s ★ | 847 | |
| 2020s | 399 | |
💎With 4,381 total births, Hampton is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Hampton?
What names sound and feel like Hampton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hampton also consider these
Common questions about the name Hampton
What does the name Hampton mean?
Hampton means "Home by the river" — 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 Hampton?
Hampton is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Hampton?
Hampton 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 Hampton?
Hampton is a two-syllable name pronounced HAMPT-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hampton a common or rare name?
Hampton is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.