Payton is a moderately popular girls' name in United States, ranking #440 in 2025 with 701 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2009 with 3,646 births ranking #84. Since 1996, the popularity has decreased by 31.1%. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 2,293 girls born was named Payton. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Payton is a modern spelling of Peyton, a surname and place-name name with English roots. It feels sporty, friendly, and familiar.
The name grew as parents embraced surname-style names and alternate spellings. Its popularity comes more from its contemporary sound than from widespread awareness of its ancient place-name origin.