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Holton

♂ Boy

Pronounced HOHL-ton /ˈhoʊl.tən/High

Meaning: An Old English habitational surname from a place called Holton, combining hol (hollow or low-lying ground) with tun (settlement or farm), meaning dweller at the hollow farmHigh

In 30 seconds: Holton is an Old English surname-turned-given name meaning settlement in the hollow, carrying a grounded, pastoral feel that fits the modern taste for strong, place-rooted boys names.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningAn Old English habitational surname from a place called Holton, combining hol (hollow or low-lying ground) with tun (settlement or farm), meaning dweller at the hollow farm
U.S. rank (2024)#3057 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births40 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,020

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119142024

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

History & Origin

Holton originated as an Old English habitational surname from the place name Holton, formed from hol (hollow, depression, or low-lying area) and tun (a settlement, farm, or enclosure). Several English parishes carry this name, and the surname Holton spread as families took the name of their home village.

As a given name, Holton follows the well-established American tradition of converting surnames with strong consonant structures and -ton endings into first names. This pattern, also seen in Colton, Dalton, Paxton, and Easton, has been popular in the United States since the 19th century. Holton remains uncommon but has a solid, distinguished sound.

Did you know? There are several English villages named Holton — in Oxfordshire, Suffolk, and Somerset — each preserving the Old English hol + tun meaning, making Holton a name literally drawn from the English countryside.
Overall data confidence 85%
Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names — Holton etymology from hol + tunU.S. Social Security Administration Baby Names — birth record frequency

Variations

HoltenHoltHorton

Nicknames

HoltHolty

Famous Bearers

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If you like Holton…

Colton— same -ton suffix surname-name pattern and two-syllable rhythm
Dalton— shares the Old English place-name origin and similar sound
Easton— fellow -ton habitational surname used as a modern first name
Sutton— same strong two-syllable -ton surname-name tradition

Frequently Asked

What does the name Holton mean?

Holton means from the settlement in the hollow, from Old English hol (hollow) and tun (farm or settlement).

How do you pronounce Holton?

It is pronounced HOHL-ton, two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Holton a boy or girl name?

Holton is used as a boys name.

How popular is Holton?

Holton is an uncommon given name in the United States but fits naturally among popular -ton names like Colton and Dalton.