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Leighton

♂ Boy

Pronounced LAY-tun /ˈleɪ.tən/High

Meaning: Herb garden settlement; from Old English leac-tun (leek garden/farm, herb settlement)High

In 30 seconds: An Old English place-name surname meaning 'herb garden settlement' or 'leek farm,' from leac (leek/herb) and tun (settlement). Associated with Victorian painter Lord Leighton and actress Leighton Meester.

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Origin HighEnglish

MeaningHerb garden settlement; from Old English leac-tun (leek garden/farm, herb settlement)

U.S. rank (2025)#1057 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births207 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2019

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,408

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

Leighton is an Old English place-name from leac (leek, herb plant) and tun (settlement, estate). Several English villages bear the name. As a given name it has been used in England and North America since the 19th century.

Leighton entered U.S. boys' charts as a surname name. It ranked #1039 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton (1830–1896) was President of the Royal Academy and the only Victorian artist to be given a peerage — he died just one day after receiving his barony, the shortest baronage in British history.

Overall data confidence 87%

Behind the Name — Leighton — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LaytonLayten

Nicknames

Leigh

Famous Bearers

★Frederic Leighton, 1st Baron Leighton (1830–1896)
English painter and President of the Royal Academy whose historical and mythological paintings defined Victorian high art. His barony was the shortest-lived in British history, lasting one day.

If you like Leighton…

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Payton— two-syllable -ton name with the same American surname feel

Braxton— two-syllable -ton name with the same rugged confidence

Easton— two-syllable -ton English place-name in the same tradition

Weston— two-syllable -ton Old English place-name in the same register

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Leighton mean?

Leighton means 'herb garden settlement,' from Old English leac (leek/herb) and tun (settlement).

How do you pronounce Leighton?

It's said LAY-tun — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Leighton a boy or girl name?

Leighton is used for both sexes.

How popular is Leighton?

Leighton ranked #1039 for U.S. boys in 2024.