Saxton is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the early Middle Ages.
The name Saxton is derived from an Old English personal name, Saecc tune, which was composed of two elements: "sæc", meaning "lively" or "vigorous", and "-tun", a suffix that denotes settlement or enclosure. Therefore, the name Saecc tune can be interpreted as "settlement of the lively or vigorous one".
In the Domesday Book, a great survey of England conducted in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror, several places are recorded with names similar to Saxton. These include Sassinton (Sussex), Seaxintone (Warwickshire), and Sesseton (Northumberland). Over time, these place names evolved into their modern forms, such as Saxstead and Saxilby.
The use of the name Saxton can be traced back to the early Middle Ages in England. However, it was not a particularly common name during this period, and its popularity waxed and waned over the centuries that followed.
Today, Saxton is still an uncommon given name, but it has gained some recognition due to its association with notable figures throughout history. For instance, Sir Arthur Saxton (1835-1902) was a British soldier and recipient of the Victoria Cross, while Charles Saxton (1846-1924) was an English cricketer who played for Nottinghamshire between 1871 and 1883.
In conclusion, Saxton is an intriguing and historical given name with roots in early medieval England. Its meaning, "settlement of the lively or vigorous one", offers insight into the vibrant nature of its original bearers. Despite not being a ubiquitous name, Saxton has left its mark on history through notable figures and continues to be an appealing choice for those seeking a distinctive and meaningful name.
The name Saxton has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics provided. From just six births each year from 1976 to 1989, the number of annual births with the name Saxton began to rise dramatically starting in the early 1990s.
In 1992, there were 14 births with the name Saxton, marking a notable increase compared to previous years. This trend continued throughout the 1990s and into the new millennium, with peaks of 28 births in both 2006 and 2015, and another peak of 30 births in 2017.
The most recent data shows that there were 29 births with the name Saxton in 2022. Since 1976, a total of 663 babies have been named Saxton at birth in the United States. This consistent growth in popularity over time suggests that the name Saxton has become increasingly favored by parents as an option for their children's names.