US Popularity Rank: 612

Origin: British

Meaning: clay settlement

It's easy to understand where Clayton comes from. It's an Old English surname derived from several English place names made of clay, and the name itself means "clay settlement." The first mention of the surname came in the 11th century, but as a first name, it wasn't mentioned until the 19th century. It's a vintage baby name that still resonates with American parents, as evidenced by the number of YouTube stars, musicians and professional athletes who have the name, including Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Clay Aiken of American Idol fame. As a place name, Clayton, New York, is a popular summer vacation spot located in the Thousand Islands on the St. Lawrence River.