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Payton

♀ Girl

Pronounced PAY-tun /ˈpeɪ.tən/High

Meaning: English surname from an Old English place name meaning 'Pæga's town' or 'fighter's settlement,' transferred to first-name useHigh

In 30 seconds: Payton is a spirited surname name used for both boys and girls, though it now skews female. With its crisp, two-syllable sound and sporty edge, it remains a popular modern choice.
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Origin HighEnglish
MeaningEnglish surname from an Old English place name meaning 'Pæga's town' or 'fighter's settlement,' transferred to first-name use
U.S. rank (2025)#440 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births701 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 60,030

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200919662025

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

History & Origin

Payton is an English surname originating from an Old English place name meaning 'Pæga's enclosure' or 'settlement of the warrior.' Like many English toponymic surnames, it transferred to first-name use in the United States during the 20th century as the surname-as-first-name trend gained momentum.

As a given name, Payton gained significant traction in the 1990s and 2000s, used for both sexes but increasingly favored for girls. The spelling Payton competes with Peyton, with both forms widely used. Its sporty, confident sound resonates with contemporary naming tastes.

Did you know? Payton is the alternate spelling of Peyton, the name made famous by NFL quarterback Peyton Manning — yet as a girls' name, the Payton spelling has outpaced Peyton in some years among female births.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Peyton — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

PeytonPaitonPaiten

Nicknames

PayPaye

Famous Bearers

  • ★Payton Manning (1976–present)
    Alternate spelling reference; Peyton Manning is the famous NFL quarterback

If you like Payton…

Peyton— alternate spelling of the same name, same pronunciation
Hayden— shares the surname-name style and -ayn- vowel sound
Taylor— another occupational surname that crossed to become a top girls' name
Reagan— sporty, presidential surname name with the same modern energy

Frequently Asked

What does the name Payton mean?

Payton is an English surname derived from an Old English place name meaning 'Pæga's settlement' or 'fighter's estate.'

How do you pronounce Payton?

Payton is pronounced PAY-tun /ˈpeɪ.tən/ — two syllables with stress on the first, identical to Peyton.

Is Payton a girl or boy name?

Payton is used for both, but has increasingly become a girls' name. The Peyton spelling is more common for boys.

What is the difference between Payton and Peyton?

They are simply alternate spellings with the same pronunciation. Peyton is slightly more associated with boys, while Payton is more commonly given to girls.