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Keaton

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEE-tun /ˈkiː.tən/High

Meaning: Place of hawks or shed town; an English surname from the Old English place name Ketton or Ceatta's tun, meaning Ceatta's settlement or hawk farmMedium

In 30 seconds: Keaton is an Old English surname meaning place of hawks or hawk settlement, lifted into first-name use by the fame of silent-film legend Buster Keaton and later by Batman actor Michael Keaton.
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Origin MediumOld English
MeaningPlace of hawks or shed town; an English surname from the Old English place name Ketton or Ceatta's tun, meaning Ceatta's settlement or hawk farm
U.S. rank (2025)#771 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births333 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2007
Total births (all-time)≈ 22,082

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200719252025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Keaton is an English surname of Old English origin, derived from a place name. It likely comes from the Old English ceatta (a personal name) plus tun (settlement, farm), or alternatively from an association with hawks. It entered the personal-name lexicon primarily through association with famous bearers.

Keaton gained use as a given first name in the late 20th century, reflecting the surname-as-first-name trend. Actor Michael Keaton (born Michael Douglas) adopted the stage name Keaton in honor of Buster Keaton, and the name has been associated with artistic, creative men. It is popular in the United States and has appeared in the top 200 boys names.

Did you know? Buster Keaton's real name was Joseph Frank Keaton IV. The nickname Buster was reportedly given to him by Harry Houdini, who witnessed a young Keaton tumble down a flight of stairs unhurt at age 6, exclaiming what a buster (great tumble) that was.
Overall data confidence 85%
Behind the Name — Keaton — Old English surname etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

KeetonKeatenKeatin

Nicknames

KeatKey

Famous Bearers

  • ★Buster Keaton (1895–1966)
    American silent-film actor and filmmaker, considered one of the greatest physical comedians in cinema history.
  • ★Michael Keaton (1951–present)
    American actor known for his portrayal of Batman in Tim Burton's films and his Oscar-nominated role in Birdman (2014).

If you like Keaton…

Easton— same two-syllable -ton place-name-as-first-name English pattern
Paxton— shares the -ton English settlement suffix and preppy surname feel
Weston— fellow crisp two-syllable -ton English geographic surname name
Dalton— same rugged -ton surname tradition popular in the same American naming era

Frequently Asked

What does the name Keaton mean?

Keaton is an Old English surname meaning place of hawks or a settlement named after someone called Ceatta.

How do you pronounce Keaton?

It is said KEE-tun, two syllables with stress on the first.

Where does the name Keaton come from?

Keaton comes from an English place name and surname, made famous as a given name through silent-film star Buster Keaton.

Is Keaton a popular boys name?

Keaton has been in the U.S. top 200 boys names, popular among parents who like surname-style names with a cool, artistic edge.