Clayton is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #417 in 2016 with 101 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2019 with 111 births ranking #388. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 83.6%. In 2016, approximately 1 in every 3,286 boys born was named Clayton. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Clayton is an English place-name and surname name meaning "clay settlement". It has a steady, traditional sound and fits easily with modern surname-style naming.
The name followed the familiar path from English place name to surname to first name. Its long use has made it feel more established than many newer surname names.