Is Elton a boy's or girl's name?

Elton is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 200 recorded births.

When was Elton most popular?

Elton reached its peak popularity in 1920 with 394 births that year. It is currently ranked #2074 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Elton?

Elton is currently ranked #2074 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 21,292 babies since 1880.

Elton

A Old English name gently fading from the charts.

Boy's name| Also girlsOld EnglishDeclining Also a pet name

#2074▲ 38in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A male given name from Old English.

Elton is a boy's and girl's baby name of Old English origin, a habitational surname from the Old English ella (elder tree) and tūn (settlement), meaning 'Ella's settlement' or 'elder tree town.' The name is irresistibly and overwhelmingly associated with Sir Elton John, the flamboyant, beloved British rock icon.

With over 21,000 U.S. births, Elton has a vintage mid-century feel that is experiencing a revival — it sounds warm, slightly quirky, and distinctly British, carrying the musical legacy of one of the 20th century's most iconic performers.

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Popularity Over Time

Elton was #1611 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2074, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Elton
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	421	#1886	▼
2010s	608	#2235	▼
2000s	694	#1881	▼
1990s	808	#1334	▼
1980s	1,077	#901	▼
1970s	1,844	#620	▲
1960s	1,630	#626	▼
1950s	2,724	#444	▲
1940s	2,321	#409	▼
1930s	2,715	#334	▼
1920s	3,535	#301	▲
1910s	2,242	#314	▲
1900s	368	#354	▲
1890s	176	#469	▲
1880s	129	#525	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(144 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Elton
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	72	#2074	+3 (4.3%)
2023	69	#2112	-10 (-12.7%)
2022	79	#1954	-32 (-28.8%)
2021	111	#1569	+21 (23.3%)
2020	90	#1722	+10 (12.5%)
2019	80	#1872	+7 (9.6%)
2018	73	#1999	+22 (43.1%)
2017	51	#2500	-8 (-13.6%)
2016	59	#2260	-3 (-4.8%)
2015	62	#2197	-4 (-6.1%)
2014	66	#2100	+21 (46.7%)
2013	45	#2634	-10 (-18.2%)
2012	55	#2337	-6 (-9.8%)
2011	61	#2155	+5 (8.9%)
2010	56	#2295	-8 (-12.5%)
2009	64	#2126	0
2008	64	#2131	+7 (12.3%)
2007	57	#2286	-11 (-16.2%)
2006	68	#1976	+3 (4.6%)
2005	65	#1951	-16 (-19.8%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Elton as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Elton has also been given to 200 girls in the U.S. since 1903.

Unranked

Current rank

200

Total births

1920

Peak year

Compare Elton as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Elton be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Elton is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #2074. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Elton has two lives

Elton, the baby name

#2074boys

21,292 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology