Clayton is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #791 in 2023 with 41 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2019 with 111 births ranking #388. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 25.5%. In 2023, approximately 1 in every 6,748 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.