Clayton is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #622 in 2024 with 61 recorded births. This places Clayton in the top 9% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Uncommon. The name reached its all-time peak in 2019 with 111 births ranking #388. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 10.9%. In 2024, approximately 1 in every 4,554 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.