Carlton is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English word "carte," which means "strong" or "brave." It is also associated with the town of Carlton in North Yorkshire, England.
The name Carlton has a long history and has been used for centuries. In medieval times, it was often given as a surname to people who lived near the town of Carlton or who had strong physical characteristics. Over time, Carlton evolved from being primarily a surname to becoming a popular given name.
Today, Carlton is considered a unisex name, although it is more commonly given to boys. It has been used in various forms and spellings throughout history, includingCarlton, Carlon, Carleton, and Carlyle.
Some notable people with the name Carlton include American baseball player Carlton Fisk, English footballer Carlton Palmer, and Canadian actor Carlton Cuse. Despite its strong associations with strength and bravery, Carlton is not currently among the most popular names in English-speaking countries.
The name Carlton has seen a significant decline in popularity over the past century in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was quite popular, with over 200 births per year from 1911 onwards. The peak occurred in 1954 with 833 births.
However, after reaching its zenith in the mid-20th century, Carlton's popularity began to decline sharply. By the late 1960s and early 1970s, fewer than 600 babies were named Carlton each year. This downward trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with the number of Carlton births falling below 400 per year.
The turn of the millennium saw a further decrease in popularity for this name. Between 2000 and 2022, fewer than 50 babies were named Carlton each year on average. The most recent data from 2022 shows that only 37 boys were named Carlton at birth.
Despite its significant decline in popularity over time, Carlton remains a unique and historical name with a rich history of usage in the United States. Its peak in popularity during the mid-20th century reflects the trends and tastes of that era, while its continued rarity today makes it an uncommon yet distinctive choice for parents seeking something different.
In conclusion, although Carlton is no longer one of the most popular names in the U.S., its historical significance and enduring uniqueness make it a notable choice for those looking for an uncommon name with a long-standing tradition.