What does Keaton mean and where does it come from?
The name Keaton is of Old English origin, derived from a surname that means 'place where the hawk (or kite) is kept'. It gained popularity as a first name in the United States during the late 20th century, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s. Notable bearers of the name include actress Keaton Patti,
Cultural significance
Keaton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of place of the hanson family.
Peak popularity
Reached #771 in 2025 — currently #771 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Keaton?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Keaton?
Keaton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keaton Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Keaton John
One syllable · timeless choice
Keaton Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Keaton Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Keaton Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Keaton Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Keaton right now?
Rising fast — up 74 spots — currently #771 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #771 | 333 | ▲ up 74 · +16% births |
| 2024 | #845 | 288 | ▲ up 30 · +7% births |
| 2023 | #875 | 268 | ▼ down 78 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #797 | 315 | ▼ down 62 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #735 | 348 | ▲ up 5339 · +1732% births |
| 2020 | #6074 | 19 | ▼ down 2228 · -51% births |
| 2015 | #3846 | 39 | ▼ down 481 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #3365 | 48 | ▲ up 1147 · +60% births |
| 2005 | #4512 | 30 | ▼ down 1430 · -33% births |
| 2000 | #3082 | 45 | ▲ up 225 · +32% births |
| 1995 | #3307 | 34 | ▲ up 2309 · +113% births |
| 1990 | #5616 | 16 | ▲ up 1454 · +78% births |
| 1985 | #7070 | 9 | — |
The story of Keaton
Keaton is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1982. A total of 21,733 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7070 in 1985 to #875 in 2023. Keaton is used for both genders: 6% female and 94% male.
Names that peaked alongside Keaton in 2025:
Keaton by decade
Keaton peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 103 | |
| 1980s | 1,009 | |
| 1990s | 5,254 | |
| 2000s ★ | 8,195 | |
| 2010s | 6,779 | |
| 2020s | 1,118 | |
What are good nicknames for Keaton?
Common
KeaKeatKeatieKeatyAton
What names sound and feel like Keaton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keaton also consider these
Common questions about the name Keaton
What does the name Keaton mean?
Keaton means "Place of the Hanson family" — 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 Keaton?
Keaton is currently ranked #875 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 Keaton?
Keaton 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 Keaton?
Keaton is a two-syllable name pronounced KEE-tun. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Keaton a common or rare name?
Keaton is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.