Hamilton
Hamilton: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈhæməltən/ · /ˈ-ɪl-/
Meaning and origin of Hamilton
Root meaning: “blunt, flat-topped”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
From Old English *Hameldūne, from hamel (“blunt, flat-topped”) + dūne (“hill”). The Scottish surname is from the place in Leicestershire. The dollar-bill sense is from the portrait of Alexander Hamilton featured on it.
How popular is Hamilton?
Since 1880, 6,517 boys in the U.S. have been named Hamilton. Its highest rank for boys was #347 in 1883. In 2025, 38 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Hamilton
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More English boy names
Sibling name ideas for Hamilton
Sister and brother names that share Hamilton's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Hamilton FAQ
What does the name Hamilton mean?
Hamilton traces back to a root meaning "blunt, flat-topped". A male given name transferred from the surname. From Old English *Hameldūne, from hamel (“blunt, flat-topped”) + dūne (“hill”). The Scottish surname is from the place in Leicestershire. The dollar-bill sense is from the portrait of Alexander Hamilton featured on it.
What is the origin of the name Hamilton?
Hamilton is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Hamilton?
Since 1880, 6,517 boys in the U.S. have been named Hamilton. Its highest rank for boys was #347 in 1883. In 2025, 38 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Hamilton a boy or girl name?
Hamilton is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 6,517 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.