Origin & Meaning of the Clayton Surname
What does the last name Clayton mean?
The surname Clayton carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 56,638 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Clayton ranks as the #595 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Clayton come from?
The Clayton surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Clayton name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Clayton trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Clayton |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #595 |
| US Count (2010) | 56,638 |
| Per 100K People | 19.2 |
| First Letter | C |
Ethnic Distribution of Clayton
According to the US Census, the Clayton surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 56,638 Americans with the Clayton last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 69.14% |
| Black | 25.47% |
| Hispanic | 2.18% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.45% |
| Native American | 0.53% |
| Two or More Races | 2.23% |
Popularity of Clayton Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Clayton surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Clayton surname increased by 1,763 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other English Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clayton
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