Caton is a rare and distinctive male given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Roman gens or family name Catonius, which was prominent during the Roman Republic.
The most famous member of this gens was Marcus Porcius Cato, known as Cato the Elder, who lived in the second century BCE. He was a statesman, writer, and champion of traditional Roman values. Cato the Elder is renowned for his virtue, sternness, and his opposition to luxurious living. His reputation for integrity and moral uprightness earned him the title "Cato the Censor," as he served as a censor twice.
The name Caton has been used sparingly throughout history but can be found in some notable figures. One such example is Catharinus Auroatus, a 13th-century French chronicler who took his name from this gens.
In recent times, the name Caton has not been widely used and may be considered somewhat archaic or unusual. However, it could make for an intriguing choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their son.
The meaning of Caton is associated with its Latin origin and the virtues embodied by Cato the Elder. It signifies integrity, sternness, and adherence to traditional values. These associations can make Caton a powerful and resonant name choice.
The statistics provided show the annual occurrences of the name Caton among newborns in the United States from 1991 to 2006. Over this period, there was a total of 58 babies named Caton.
The highest number of births occurred in 2003 with 12 children being named Caton that year. This was closely followed by 2004 with 11 newborns bearing the name Caton.
Interestingly, the years 1991 and 1993 both saw exactly 5 births each for this particular name. There was another peak in 2002 with 9 babies named Caton.
These statistics demonstrate that while there were some fluctuations in popularity over time, Caton remained a relatively uncommon first name choice during this period, with no year exceeding more than 12 births.