What does Tilton mean and where does it come from?
Tilton is an English surname that has transitioned into a first name. It derives from Old English roots meaning 'hill settlement'. It has historical roots in England but has gained some traction in the U.S. as a given name as part of a larger trend of using surnames as first names. Notable people in
Cultural significance
Tilton has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of inhabitant of the settlement on the hill.
Peak popularity
Reached #2274 in 1954 — currently #13882 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tilton?
Tilton works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tilton Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tilton Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tilton Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tilton Claire
French influence · crisp
Tilton Jane
Literary · strong
Tilton Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tilton right now?
Falling — down 5076 spots — currently #13882 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #13882 | 5 | ▼ down 5076 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #8806 | 8 | ▼ down 2121 · +60% births |
| 1985 | #6685 | 5 | ▼ down 259 |
| 1980 | #6426 | 5 | ▼ down 2187 |
| 1960 | #4239 | 5 | ▼ down 1327 · -37% births |
| 1950 | #2912 | 8 | ▲ up 637 · +60% births |
| 1945 | #3549 | 5 | ▼ down 238 · -17% births |
| 1940 | #3311 | 6 | ▲ up 255 · -14% births |
| 1925 | #3566 | 7 | ▼ down 1134 · -46% births |
| 1920 | #2432 | 13 | ▲ up 552 · +63% births |
| 1915 | #2984 | 8 | — |
The story of Tilton
Tilton entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. With 378 total births recorded, Tilton remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #2984 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13882 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Tilton in 1954:
Tilton by decade
Tilton peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 61 | |
| 1920s ★ | 82 | |
| 1930s | 24 | |
| 1940s | 65 | |
| 1950s | 39 | |
| 1960s | 35 | |
| 1970s | 14 | |
| 1980s | 21 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 13 | |
| 2010s | 19 | |
💎Tilton has only 378 total recorded births since 1913 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Tilton?
What names sound and feel like Tilton?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tilton also consider these
Common questions about the name Tilton
What does the name Tilton mean?
Tilton means "inhabitant of the settlement on the hill" — 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 Tilton?
Tilton is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Tilton have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Tilton?
Tilton 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 Tilton?
Tilton is a two-syllable name pronounced T IH1 L T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tilton trending right now?
Tilton is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.