Hilton is an English surname and given name of Norman origin. It is derived from the Germanic word "hil" meaning hill or mound, combined with "tun" which means enclosure or settlement. Thus, Hilton literally translates to "settlement on a hill."
The name Hilton has been traced back to the medieval period in England, where it was primarily used as a surname. It is believed to have originated from one of two places: either a manor called Hilton in Derbyshire, or a manor named Hylton in Northumberland.
Over time, Hilton evolved from being purely a surname to also being used as a given name. In the United States, for example, it became more popular as a first name in the mid-20th century, with notable figures such as Hilton Als (a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer) and Paris Hilton (a socialite, businesswoman, and media personality) contributing to its popularity.
Despite its origins and history, there are no specific cultural or traditional associations linked to the name Hilton. It is simply a name of Norman origin that has evolved over centuries, first as a surname indicating place of origin, then later as a given name standing on its own merit.
The name Hilton has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the years in the United States, with several peaks and valleys since it was first recorded in 1882.
In its early years, Hilton saw modest popularity, with an average of around five births per year between 1882 and 1897. However, the turn of the century brought a significant increase in popularity, with the number of annual births more than doubling from 10 births in 1903 to 21 births in 1905.
The trend continued into the early 1910s, reaching an all-time high of 138 births in 1920. This period marked a significant peak in popularity for the name Hilton. However, after this high point, the number of annual births began to decline steadily, dropping below 50 births per year by the mid-1940s.
The second half of the 20th century saw further fluctuations in popularity, with periods of higher and lower demand for the name Hilton. Between 1976 and 1987, the number of annual births ranged between a low of 23 births in 1976 to a high of 34 births in 1988.
More recently, the popularity of the name Hilton has continued to fluctuate, with a total of 6897 births recorded since 1882. In recent years, between 2015 and 2023, the number of annual births ranged from a low of 15 births in 2017 to a high of 31 births in 2019.
Overall, while Hilton has seen periods of significant popularity, particularly around the turn of the century and during the early 1920s, it remains a name with relatively modest demand compared to more popular choices. Nevertheless, its unique sound and spelling continue to make it an appealing choice for some parents seeking a distinctive name for their child.