Leighton
Leighton: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈleɪtən/
Meaning and origin of Leighton
Root meaning: “leek”
- A unisex given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
Various place names in England, Old English leac (“leek”) + tun (“settlement”), also in the sense of a herb garden.
How popular is Leighton?
Since 1880, 12,412 girls and 9,411 boys in the U.S. have been named Leighton (57% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #342 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #692 in 2019. In 2025 it ranked #342 for girls, with 1,099 babies given the name.
Names similar to Leighton
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname unisex names
Sibling name ideas for Leighton
Sister and brother names that share Leighton's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Leighton FAQ
What does the name Leighton mean?
Leighton traces back to a root meaning "leek". A unisex given name transferred from the surname. Various place names in England, Old English leac (“leek”) + tun (“settlement”), also in the sense of a herb garden.
What is the origin of the name Leighton?
Leighton is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Leighton?
Since 1880, 12,412 girls and 9,411 boys in the U.S. have been named Leighton (57% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #342 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #692 in 2019. In 2025 it ranked #342 for girls, with 1,099 babies given the name.
Is Leighton a boy or girl name?
Leighton is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (12,412 girls and 9,411 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.