Horton
Horton is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Muddy farm or settlement on muddy soil.
Origin and history
Horton is an English surname and given name derived from Old English place names meaning 'muddy farm' or 'settlement on muddy soil'. Historically used in the United States, it reached its peak of minor popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today it is rare as a given name and often associated with classic literature, such as Dr. Seuss's fictional character.
Popularity in the United States
616 babies in the United States have been named Horton since 1880. It ranks #4060 all-time.
States where it is most popular
- AL (50 %)
- TX (50 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 13 |
| 1890-1900 | 17 |
| 1900-1910 | 13 |
| 1910-1920 | 137 |
| 1920-1930 | 209 |
| 1930-1940 | 93 |
| 1940-1950 | 70 |
| 1950-1960 | 44 |
| 1960-1970 | 10 |
| 1970-1980 | 0 |
| 1980-1990 | 5 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 0 |
| 2010-2019 | 5 |
| 2020-2029 | 0 |
Famous people named Horton
- Horton Foote: playwright, screenwriter
Fun facts
- The name originally designated someone living near one of the many places in England named Horton, derived from 'horu' (dirt/mud) and 'tun' (settlement).
- It is widely recognized through Dr. Seuss's beloved fictional character, Horton the Elephant, featured in 'Horton Hears a Who!'.