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Trenton

♂ Boy

Pronounced TREN-tun /ˈtrɛn.tən/High

Meaning: Trent's settlement; from the city of Trenton, New Jersey, named for William Trent who founded it in 1714; Trent from Celtic tros (trespasser) + anto (greatly)Medium

In 30 seconds: An American place name meaning 'settlement on the Trent' (Celtic river name). Trenton, New Jersey — where George Washington crossed the Delaware on Christmas night 1776 — gives this name a revolutionary American pedigree.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningTrent's settlement; from the city of Trenton, New Jersey, named for William Trent who founded it in 1714; Trent from Celtic tros (trespasser) + anto (greatly)

U.S. rank (2025)#1042 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births213 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2007

Total births (all-time)≈ 58,547

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

Trenton is the name of the capital of New Jersey, founded by William Trent in the early 18th century. The city name incorporates Trent (from the English river Trent, with a Celtic etymology meaning 'great trespasser') and -ton (Old English: settlement).

Trenton has been used as a given name in the U.S. since the mid-20th century. It ranked #887 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? George Washington's surprise crossing of the Delaware River and victory at the Battle of Trenton (December 26, 1776) is one of the most decisive moments of the American Revolution — 'Washington Crossing' by Emanuel Leutze is one of America's most recognized historical paintings.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name — Trenton — place-name etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

TrentenTrentan

Nicknames

TrentTre

Famous Bearers

★Trenton Lee Stewart
American author of the children's series The Mysterious Benedict Society
★Trenton Hassell
American former NBA guard known for his defense

If you like Trenton…

Trent— the short form sharing Trenton's first element

Easton— -ton place-name surname in the same American patriotic tradition

Weston— -ton place-name in the same English/American category

Daxton— modern -ton ending name in the same sound family

Explore names like Trenton

By themeenglish american two-syllable place-name

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Trenton mean?

Trenton means 'settlement on the Trent,' named for William Trent who founded Trenton, New Jersey. The Trent river name has Celtic origins.

How do you pronounce Trenton?

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

Is Trenton a boy or girl name?

Trenton is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Trenton?

Trenton ranked #887 for U.S. boys in 2024.