Braxton is a name of American origin, derived from the English surname "Braxley," which was originally an occupational name for someone who worked with braided rope or a braxler. The name Braxton has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and modern feel.
The meaning behind the name Braxton is not explicitly clear as it does not come from a known language, but there are a few possible interpretations. Some sources suggest that Braxton means "one who works with rope" or "braxler," referring to someone who made or sold braided ropes. Another interpretation suggests that Braxton may mean "from the broad meadow," as Braxley is believed to have originated from an Old English word meaning broad and a word for meadow.
The history of the name Braxton can be traced back to England, where it was first recorded as a surname in the early 13th century. The name Braxley was likely brought to America by early English settlers, and over time, it evolved into the given name Braxton that we know today.
Braxton has been used as a given name more frequently in recent decades, particularly since the late 20th century. In the United States, Braxton ranked among the top 1,000 most popular boys' names between 2000 and 2019, according to Social Security Administration data.
Some notable individuals with the name Braxton include American rapper and singer Braxton Craven, better known by his stage name Brax; American basketball player Braxton Beverly; and American actor Braxton Baker, known for his role in the television series "The Young and the Restless." However, it's essential to note that these individuals are not necessarily representative of the name's history or meaning.
Based on the provided statistics, we can observe the trend of the name Braxton over time in the United States.
The name Braxton first appeared in the late 19th century with a total of 6 births recorded in 1885. However, it was not until the early 20th century that the name started to gain some traction, with an increase in births occurring between 1908 and 1914, ranging from 5 to 20 births per year.
The years 1916 to 1937 marked a significant rise in the popularity of the name Braxton. During this period, there were consistently more than 15 births per year, with peaks reaching up to 29 births in 1937.
However, after 1937, there was a decrease in the number of births with the name Braxton, dropping to single digits between 1945 and 1956. This trend continued until 1960, with fewer than 20 births per year.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a renewed interest in the name Braxton, with more than 20 births per year recorded between 1968 and 1974. This trend continued into the 1980s, with the number of births rising sharply from 39 in 1981 to 155 in 1989.
The 1990s marked a significant turning point for the name Braxton. Between 1990 and 2000, there was a dramatic increase in the number of births with this name, ranging from 201 to 837 per year. This growth can be attributed to the increasing popularity of unique and uncommon names during this period.
The trend continued into the 21st century, with over 1,000 births per year recorded between 2002 and 2016. The name Braxton reached its peak popularity in 2012, with a total of 3,018 births that year.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Braxton has started to decline slightly, with fewer than 3,000 births recorded per year between 2017 and 2022. Despite this decrease in popularity, the name Braxton remains a popular choice among parents in the United States, with 2,128 births recorded in 2023 alone.
In conclusion, while the name Braxton experienced periods of fluctuating popularity over the years, it has generally gained traction since the early 20th century and has become a well-established and enduring choice among American parents.