Thornton
Thornton is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Thorn settlement or place of thorns.
Origin and history
Thornton is an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'thorn settlement' or 'place where thorn bushes grow'. Historically used as a traditional given name in the United States, it reached its peak popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it remains an uncommon choice associated with vintage, classic surname-style names.
Popularity in the United States
3,132 babies in the United States have been named Thornton since 1880. It ranks #2304 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1892.
States where it is most popular
- VA (36.3 %)
- TX (13.2 %)
- NY (7.9 %)
- AL (7.3 %)
- IL (5.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 127 |
| 1890-1900 | 92 |
| 1900-1910 | 105 |
| 1910-1920 | 438 |
| 1920-1930 | 551 |
| 1930-1940 | 352 |
| 1940-1950 | 370 |
| 1950-1960 | 309 |
| 1960-1970 | 207 |
| 1970-1980 | 136 |
| 1980-1990 | 101 |
| 1990-2000 | 133 |
| 2000-2010 | 87 |
| 2010-2019 | 89 |
| 2020-2029 | 35 |
Famous people named Thornton
- Thornton Wilder: Playwright, Novelist
- Thornton Lee: Baseball Player
Nicknames
Thorn
Fun facts
- The name originally designated someone living near or in one of several towns in England named Thornton.
- Famed American playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder brought prominent cultural exposure to the name in the 20th century.