Houghton is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from an old English surname that was originally given to someone who lived in a haugh, which is an area of land near a river or stream that is likely to flood. The name is therefore associated with the water element and nature.
The earliest recorded spelling of the name Houghton is found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where it was listed as Hugetun. Over time, the name evolved into various forms such as Hoton, Hotoun, and eventually Houghton.
Houghton has been used as a given name since the mid-20th century. It gained popularity during this period due to its unique sound and association with nature. Today, it is still considered an uncommon but beautiful name for boys and girls alike.
There are several notable people with the surname Houghton, including Sir Francis Houghton, a 17th-century English diplomat, and Lord David Houghton, a British businessman and politician. However, these individuals are not associated with the given name Houghton as it is not widely used as a first name until more recent times.
In conclusion, Houghton is an attractive and unusual name with a rich history dating back to medieval England. Its association with nature and water makes it a fitting choice for parents looking for something distinctive yet meaningful for their child.
The name Houghton has seen a varying degree of popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 20th century, there was a brief spike in its usage, with six babies named Houghton in 1920. This trend continued to some extent throughout the decade, with five births each in 1916 and 1923.
However, for several decades after that, the name Houghton seemed to fall out of favor, as there were no recorded births with this name from 1924 to 2012. It was not until 2013 that the name resurfaced, with five babies named Houghton in that year alone.
In total, over the span of these years (from 1916 to 2013), there were a total of 21 babies born in the United States who were named Houghton. This demonstrates a fluctuating popularity for the name throughout the century.