Kelton is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English word "celtan," which means "stranger" or "foreigner." The name has been used in various forms throughout history, but it gained popularity during the mid-20th century.
The earliest known use of Kelton can be traced back to the Middle Ages when it was used as a surname. However, it wasn't until the 1940s that Kelton began to be used as a given name in significant numbers. This trend continued throughout the latter half of the century and into the early 2000s.
One notable figure with the given name Kelton is Kelton Crammer, an American football player who played for the Washington Huskies from 1976 to 1980. Crammer's popularity may have contributed to the increase in the usage of the name during this time period.
Today, Kelton remains a relatively rare given name but continues to be used by parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children. Its historical ties to the English language and its distinctive sound make it an appealing choice for those looking for a name that stands out from more common options.
Based on the provided statistics, Kelton has seen a significant increase in popularity over time, with a total of 6547 births recorded in the United States from 1914 to 2023.
From its earliest appearances in the early 20th century, Kelton saw fluctuations in birth numbers. Between 1914 and 1928, there were fewer than 20 births each year, with some years having as few as 6 births. However, starting in 1935, we began to see a gradual increase in the number of babies named Kelton.
The late 1930s and early 1940s marked a turning point for this name, with double-digit birth numbers becoming more commonplace. The year 1943 saw a significant spike, with 20 births recorded, marking the highest number of Kelton births in any single year during that period.
From the mid-50s to the late 60s, Kelton maintained steady popularity, with annual birth counts ranging from 14 to 31. The year 1976 marked another significant milestone, with 40 babies named Kelton born – a record that stood until it was surpassed in the following decade.
The 80s and 90s were transformative decades for Kelton's popularity. From 1987 onwards, annual birth numbers consistently climbed into triple digits. The late 80s and early 90s saw exponential growth: from 45 births in 1987 to a peak of 226 in 2002.
However, the trend seemed to reverse slightly after its peak popularity around the turn of the millennium. From 2003 onwards, birth numbers started declining gradually until they reached their current level of around 40-50 births per year in recent years (2019-2023).
Despite this slight decline in recent years, Kelton remains a notable name with a rich history and considerable popularity. Its unique sound and spelling have clearly appealed to parents throughout the decades, contributing to its ongoing recognition as an established name choice in the United States.