Middleton
A boy's name of Old English origin with 34 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Middleton peaked during early twentieth-century America, when 8 babies received this name in a single year (1918). That era was defined by heritage-rooted naming, and Middleton has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Middleton is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Middleton is a boy's baby name of Old English origin, a place-based surname from the Old English middel (middle) and tun (settlement, town), meaning 'middle settlement' or 'town in the middle.' Middleton is a common English place name and surname.
As a given name, Middleton carries the dignified, understated quality of a classic English surname — and gained royal associations through Catherine Middleton, now the Princess of Wales.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Middleton belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their solid, balanced ending — a versatile ending found across many naming traditions. At three syllables, it has a three-beat flow that carries a sense of formality and completeness.
Within the Old English naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Old English names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Middleton’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Middleton has 6+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1915.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 1940s | 11 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 5 | — |
| 1920s | 5 | ▼ |
| 1910s | 13 | — |
The Story of Middleton
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1918, Middleton is a name steeped in history. Boys named Middleton are most likely born between 1915 and 1928.
How rare is Middleton?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Middleton is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1915, peaked in the 1910s with 13 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(6 years, 1915–1947)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | 5 | #4086 |
| 1946 | 6 | #3408 |
| 1932 | 5 | #4119 |
| 1920 | 5 | #4741 |
| 1918 | 8 | #3284 |
| 1915 | 5 | #4199 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Middleton a boy's or girl's name?
When was Middleton most popular?
How popular is the name Middleton?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1915–1947