Clayton is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #13676 in 2011 with 7 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2004 with 14 births ranking #7926. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 16.7%. In 2011, approximately 1 in every 251,258 girls 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.