Afton

♂ Boy

Pronounced AF-tən /ˈæf.tən/High

Meaning: From the English place-name Afton — the Afton river in Scotland, and 'Afa's settlement' (a personal name plus tun, 'a settlement'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: From the Afton river: Afton is an English place-name — 'Afa's settlement'. Crisp, modern, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys).

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningFrom the English place-name Afton — the Afton river in Scotland, and 'Afa's settlement' (a personal name plus tun, 'a settlement'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#6179 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births14 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2008

Total births (all-time)≈ 845

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Afton comes from the English place-name Afton — the Afton Water, a river in Scotland celebrated in Robert Burns' poem 'Sweet Afton', and 'Afa's settlement' (a personal name plus tun, 'a settlement'; routes layered, which we note). A crisp, modern name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished; nickname Aft).

It registers thinly for boys (more for girls). Rare, from-the-Afton-river at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Afton is an English place-name — the Afton river in Scotland (made famous by Robert Burns' 'Sweet Afton') and 'Afa's settlement' — a crisp, modern name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered, which we note; said 'AF-tən').

Overall data confidence 48%

References — Afton — place-name; routes layered

Variations

AfftonAftyn

Nicknames

Aft

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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Explore names like Afton

By themeuncertain english unisex place-name

By meaningSea / Water

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Afton mean?

Afton is an English place-name — the Afton river and 'Afa's settlement'; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Afton?

It's said AF-tən /ˈæf.tən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Afton a boy or girl name?

Afton is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Afton?

Afton is a rare name in the U.S.