Ashton is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'æscetun', which means 'ash tree settlement'. It has been used as both a given name and a surname for centuries. In the Middle Ages, Ashton was often associated with places such as Ashton-upon-Mersey in Cheshire, England, and Ashton-under-Lyne in Lancashire, England.
The name Ashton first appeared as a given name in the 19th century, but it became popular during the mid-20th century. Today, Ashton is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly used for boys than girls.
There are no specific historical figures associated with the name Ashton, but it has been used by several notable people throughout history. For example, Ashton Kutcher is an American actor and entrepreneur born Christopher Ashton Kutcher in 1978, while Ashton Shepherd is an American country music singer-songwriter born on April 24, 1986.
Overall, Ashton is a name with a rich history and an appealing sound that has made it popular among parents looking for a unique yet traditional name for their child. Its association with ash trees and settlements also gives it a connection to nature and community, making it a meaningful choice for parents who wish to convey these values through their child's name.
The name Ashton has been popular among parents in the United States for several decades now, with a significant increase in its usage during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
According to the data provided, Ashton was given to just seven newborn babies each year from 1976 to 1979. However, starting in 1982, there was a noticeable rise in its popularity, with 36 births that year alone. This trend continued into the following years, reaching an all-time high of 1,027 births in 1989.
Interestingly enough, Ashton's popularity peaked during this period before starting to decline gradually over time. By the year 2000, there were only 868 recorded births with the name Ashton given to newborns in the United States. This downward trend continued until 2010 when it stabilized at around 150-200 births per year.
Despite its popularity fluctuating over time, Ashton remains a well-loved name among American parents today. As of 2023, there have been a total of 19,458 recorded births with the name Ashton given to newborn babies in the United States since 1976.