Leighton is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #3231 in 2007 with 53 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2025 with 892 births ranking #342. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 60.6%. In 2007, approximately 1 in every 36,273 girls born was named Leighton. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Leighton is an English place and surname name with a tailored modern sound. Its old meaning refers to a settlement associated with leeks.
Like many surname-style choices, Leighton moved into first-name use because it feels polished and contemporary. Its crisp structure gives it a more formal look than many softer modern names.