Keaton is a unique and distinctive male given name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Keating, which has Irish roots and means "curly-headed." The name Keating was originally used as a nickname for individuals with curly hair.
The name Keaton first gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century. It is believed that actor Michael Keaton, born in 1961, helped to popularize the name through his successful film and television career. His real name is actually Michael Douglas, but he adopted the stage name Keaton as a tribute to his grandfather's first name.
Keaton has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history. Some notable figures with the surname Keaton include Buster Keaton, the famous silent film actor and comedian; Dwight D. Eisenhower's granddaughter, Susan Elizabeth Eisenhower Keatley; and American politician John Keating, who served as a United States Representative from New York.
Despite its Irish origins and early association with curly hair, Keaton has become a widely recognized name in the United States and beyond. Its unique sound and spelling make it a popular choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet memorable name for their sons.
The name Keaton has seen a varied history of popularity over the past four decades in the United States. In the early 1980s, the name was not very common, with only six babies named Keaton in 1982 and eight in 1983.
However, starting from 1985, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Keaton each year. This trend continued throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the highest peak occurring in 1994 when 30 newborns were given the name Keaton.
The popularity of the name Keaton continued to fluctuate throughout the remainder of the century, with a significant increase observed between 1997 and 2004. During this period, the number of babies named Keaton more than doubled from 40 in 1997 to an all-time high of 59 births in 2004.
However, after 2004, the popularity of the name Keaton started to decline gradually. By 2018, the number of newborns named Keaton had decreased to just 23 babies. Despite this decrease, it is important to note that the name Keaton has remained relatively stable in popularity over recent years.
In total, between 1982 and 2023, there were a combined 1,303 babies born in the United States with the name Keaton. This indicates that while the name may not have been incredibly popular at any single point in time, it has consistently remained a choice among parents throughout these decades.
It is interesting to observe how trends in baby naming can vary over time and how factors such as pop culture references or personal preferences can influence the popularity of certain names. In the case of Keaton, while its popularity has fluctuated significantly over the years, it remains a notable choice for parents who wish to honor their children with this unique moniker.