Delton is a rare and unique male given name of American origin. The name is believed to have been coined by the author Harold Bell Wright for his character Delton in the novel "The Shepherd of the Hills," published in 1907. The story takes place in the Ozark Mountains, and Delton is a young man who plays a significant role in the plot.
There isn't a universally agreed-upon meaning or origin for the name Delton beyond its creation by Wright. Some sources suggest that it may be derived from the Old English word "dæl" meaning "portion," but this connection is not widely accepted. Others propose that it could be a combination of the names Dell and Tony, but again, there's no concrete evidence to support this.
Despite its unclear origins, Delton has been used as a given name in the United States for several decades, though it remains relatively uncommon. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only a few dozen baby boys have been named Delton in each year since 1950, with the highest number recorded being 73 in 1962.
Delton may not have a rich history or clear meaning like many other names, but it possesses its own unique charm and appeal. Its rarity makes it distinctive, and its association with Harold Bell Wright's novel gives it a literary heritage that sets it apart from many other names. For those who appreciate uncommon and unique names, Delton is certainly worth considering.
The name Delton has a unique history of usage in the United States. Between 1908 and 2023, there have been a total of 4721 babies named Delton.
The popularity of the name varied significantly over time. The name first appeared in the top 1000 baby names for boys in 1912, with 11 births that year. It reached its peak popularity between 1921 and 1925, with a high of 66 births each year during this period.
However, after 1925, the usage of the name Delton began to decline. By the 1940s, there were fewer than 70 babies named Delton each year. This downward trend continued until the 1980s, when the name fell out of the top 1000 baby names for boys.
Despite its decline in popularity, the name Delton has remained in use throughout the years. Between 2006 and 2023, there have been an average of 17 births each year with the name Delton. This demonstrates that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, it continues to be chosen by parents for their children.
In conclusion, the name Delton has a rich history in the United States, with a total of 4721 babies named Delton between 1908 and 2023. While its popularity has fluctuated over time, the name remains in use today, chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.