Thornton
Thornton: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈθɔː(ɹ)ntən/
Meaning and origin of Thornton
Root meaning: “thorn”
- A male given name transferred from the surname.
Etymology
From Old English þorn (“thorn”) + tūn (“settlement”).
How popular is Thornton?
Since 1880, 3,132 boys in the U.S. have been named Thornton. Its highest rank for boys was #440 in 1888. In 2025, 10 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Thornton
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More English boy names
Sibling name ideas for Thornton
Sister and brother names that share Thornton's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Thornton FAQ
What does the name Thornton mean?
Thornton traces back to a root meaning "thorn". A male given name transferred from the surname. From Old English þorn (“thorn”) + tūn (“settlement”).
What is the origin of the name Thornton?
Thornton is listed as a name of English origin.
How popular is the name Thornton?
Since 1880, 3,132 boys in the U.S. have been named Thornton. Its highest rank for boys was #440 in 1888. In 2025, 10 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Thornton a boy or girl name?
Thornton is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 3,132 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.