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Stockton

♂ Boy

Pronounced STOK-tun /ˈstɒk.tən/High

Meaning: English place-name and surname from Old English stocc (tree stump, post) and tun (settlement, enclosure), meaning settlement by the tree stumps or farm with a stockadeHigh

In 30 seconds: Stockton is an Old English place-name meaning settlement by the tree stumps, used as both a surname and a modern given name. It carries a confident, rugged Americana feel, associated with the Central Valley city in California.
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Origin HighOld English
MeaningEnglish place-name and surname from Old English stocc (tree stump, post) and tun (settlement, enclosure), meaning settlement by the tree stumps or farm with a stockade
U.S. rank (2024)#3085 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births40 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2020
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,331

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202019172024

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

History & Origin

Stockton derives from Old English stocc (tree stump, post, or log) and tun (settlement, farm, or enclosure), literally meaning a settlement established near tree stumps, perhaps after forest clearing. Multiple places in England bear the name Stockton, including Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham, a major industrial town. As a surname it spread widely.

As a given name, Stockton is an American surname-name choice that gained use in the 20th century, partly honoring the city of Stockton, California, and partly following the trend of strong English place-name surnames as first names. NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton of the Utah Jazz brought the name into prominent sporting culture, and it appeals to parents who want a classic-sounding surname name with solid American roots.

Did you know? John Stockton (born 1962), the NBA Hall of Fame point guard and all-time assists and steals leader, is perhaps the most famous bearer of this name, giving it strong athletic associations in American culture.
Overall data confidence 90%
Ekwall, Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Place-Names (1960) — Stockton place-name etymologyNBA Hall of Fame — John Stockton biography — Notable bearer

Variations

Stokton

Nicknames

StockStockyTon

Famous Bearers

  • ★John Stockton (1962–present)
    American former professional basketball player who spent his entire 19-year NBA career with the Utah Jazz and holds the league's all-time records for career assists and steals.

If you like Stockton…

Fulton— Old English -ton surname name with same historical gravitas
Sutton— Old English -ton surname name widely used as a modern given name
Paxton— English surname name with similar -ton ending and masculine feel
Weston— Old English place-name turned given name of similar style

Frequently Asked

What does the name Stockton mean?

Stockton means settlement by the tree stumps, from Old English stocc (stump) and tun (settlement).

How do you pronounce Stockton?

Stockton is pronounced STOK-tun, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Stockton a boy or girl name?

Stockton is used as a boys name.

How popular is Stockton?

Stockton is a rare given name in the United States, used occasionally by families who favor strong surname names with American associations.