What does Hilton mean and where does it come from?
Hilton primarily started as a surname in England, deriving from the Old English elements 'hyll,' meaning hill and 'tun,' meaning settlement. It has gained traction as a feminine first name in modern times. Notable personalities with the name include Hilton Als, the acclaimed American writer and thea
Cultural significance
Hilton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in England-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hill settlement.
Peak popularity
Reached #4324 in 1915 — currently #6591 in the US.
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Related Reading
England-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Hilton?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Hilton?
Hilton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Hilton Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Hilton John
One syllable · timeless choice
Hilton Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Hilton Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Hilton Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Hilton Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Hilton right now?
Falling — down 583 spots — currently #6591 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #6591 | 13 | ▼ down 583 · -13% births |
| 2024 | #6008 | 15 | ▼ down 1066 · -25% births |
| 2023 | #4942 | 20 | ▲ up 340 · +11% births |
| 2022 | #5282 | 18 | ▼ down 1229 · -31% births |
| 2021 | #4053 | 26 | ▲ up 9312 · +333% births |
| 2020 | #13365 | 6 | ▲ up 3657 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #17022 | 5 | ▼ down 11990 |
| 1925 | #5032 | 5 | ▼ down 6 |
| 1920 | #5026 | 5 | ▼ down 702 |
| 1915 | #4324 | 5 | — |
The story of Hilton
Hilton entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 6,861 total births recorded, Hilton remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4324 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #4942 in 2023. Hilton is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Hilton in 1915:
Hilton by decade
Hilton peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 23 | |
| 1890s | 56 | |
| 1900s | 123 | |
| 1910s | 709 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,214 | |
| 1930s | 918 | |
| 1940s | 884 | |
| 1950s | 890 | |
| 1960s | 592 | |
| 1970s | 351 | |
| 1980s | 286 | |
| 1990s | 254 | |
| 2000s | 297 | |
| 2010s | 231 | |
| 2020s | 76 | |
💎With 6,861 total births, Hilton is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Hilton?
What names sound and feel like Hilton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Hilton also consider these
Common questions about the name Hilton
What does the name Hilton mean?
Hilton means "hill settlement" — a name rooted in England 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 Hilton?
Hilton 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 Hilton?
Hilton originates from England tradition. England 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 Hilton?
Hilton is a two-syllable name pronounced HILT-un. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Hilton a common or rare name?
Hilton is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.