Clayton is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #300 in 2025 with 1,130 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2000 with 2,564 births ranking #151. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 51.7%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 1,512 boys born was named Clayton. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
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.