Peyton is a unisex name with a rich history and meaning. Originally a last name from a place name in Sussex, England, it has become increasingly popular as a first name for both boys and girls. The name is derived from the Latin word “patricius,” meaning “nobleman,” and is often associated with strength and bravery.
In recent years, the name Peyton has gained popularity thanks to famous namesakes such as football player Peyton Manning and actress Peyton List. It has also been featured in popular culture, including the bestselling novel and television series “Peyton Place.” Despite its growing popularity, the name Peyton remains unique and distinctive, with a timeless appeal that is sure to endure for generations to come.
Origin of the Name Peyton
Peyton is a unisex name of English origin that was originally a surname and a place name. According to BabyCenter, one theory about the origin of the name is that it was a surname that meant “Poega’s town” in Old English. Using the place you lived as your last name was once a common practice. Another theory is that it means “fighting man’s estate.” For many years, Peyton was a common last name (and still is today).
Peyton appears to have originated as the name of a village in Essex, England, recorded as early as 1086 in the Domesday Book. It is thought to have been derived from the Old English personal name Pæga and “tun,” meaning town or settlement.
The name Peyton was a rare masculine name until the 1990s, but it gained popularity for both boys and girls after it was used for a female character in the movie The Hand That Rocks the Cradle in 1992. Despite the fact that it was borne by the villain, the name began to rise in popularity for girls as well as boys. Today, Peyton is a popular name for both genders.
Meaning of Peyton
Peyton is a unisex name of English origin that means “fighting-man’s estate.” It is derived from the Old English words “pǣga” which means “fight” and “tūn” which means “enclosure” or “estate.”
According to BabyCenter, Peyton was a common last name for many years and is still used as a surname today. It has become a popular given name for both boys and girls in recent years.
Dictionary.com notes that Peyton appears to have originated as the name of a village in Essex, England, recorded as early as 1086 in the Domesday Book.
Nameberry reports that Peyton is the most-used spelling of this popular name, thanks to football star Peyton Manning. However, it is increasingly being used for girls as well. The Manning family excels in all-star names, with brothers Eli and Cooper and dad Archie.
In Irish Baby Names, Peyton means “noble” or “patrician.”
Overall, Peyton is a strong and versatile name that can suit both boys and girls.
Peyton in Pop Culture
Peyton is a popular name that has appeared in various forms of pop culture. Here are some examples:
Famous People Named Peyton
- Peyton Manning: A former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 18 seasons. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time and has won numerous awards, including five NFL Most Valuable Player Awards and two Super Bowl titles.
- Peyton List: An American actress and model who is best known for her roles in the Disney Channel series Jessie and Bunk’d.
- Peyton Reed: An American film director who has directed several popular movies, including Bring It On, Ant-Man, and Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Peyton in Literature and Movies
- Peyton Place: A bestselling novel by Grace Metalious that was published in 1956. The novel was later adapted into a movie and a television series in the 1960s.
- One Tree Hill: A popular television series that aired from 2003 to 2012. The show featured a character named Peyton Sawyer, who was played by actress Hilarie Burton.
- The Handmaid’s Tale: A dystopian novel by Margaret Atwood that was published in 1985. The novel features a character named Offred, whose real name is revealed to be Peyton.
Overall, Peyton is a name that has made its mark in pop culture and continues to be a popular choice for parents naming their children.
Geographical Distribution of Peyton
Peyton is a unisex given name and surname of Anglo-Irish descent. It has gained popularity in recent years, especially as a girl’s name. The name has a diverse geographical distribution, with varying levels of popularity in different regions of the world.
According to data from Geneanet, the United States has the highest number of people with the first name Peyton, followed by Canada and Australia. The name has also gained popularity in European countries such as the United Kingdom and Ireland.
In the United States, the name Peyton is most popular in the southern states, particularly in the state of Georgia. It is also popular in the western states, such as California and Colorado.
In the United Kingdom, the name Peyton is most popular in the southeast of England, particularly in the county of Essex. This is likely due to the fact that Peyton appears to have originated as the name of a village in Essex, England, recorded as early as 1086 in the Domesday Book.
Overall, the geographical distribution of the name Peyton is diverse, with varying levels of popularity in different regions of the world.
Variations of Peyton
Peyton is a popular name that has several variations across different cultures. Here are some of the most common variations of the name:
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Peyten: This is a spelling variation of Peyton, and it is a popular choice for parents who want a unique twist on the traditional name.
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Payton: This is another spelling variation of Peyton, and it is a gender-neutral name that is commonly used for both boys and girls.
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Paityn: This is a less common spelling variation of Peyton, and it is a popular choice for parents who want a unique and modern name for their child.
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Paiton: This is another spelling variation of Peyton, and it is a popular choice for parents who want a name that is easy to pronounce and spell.
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Peyson: This is a unique variation of Peyton, and it is a popular choice for parents who want a name that is similar to Peyton but has a different twist.
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Patton: This is a name that is similar to Peyton, and it is a popular choice for parents who want a name that has a strong and masculine sound.
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Peydon: This is another unique variation of Peyton, and it is a popular choice for parents who want a name that is similar to Peyton but has a different twist.
Overall, Peyton is a versatile name that has several variations that parents can choose from depending on their preferences. Whether you prefer a traditional spelling or a unique twist on the name, there is a variation of Peyton that will suit your child perfectly.
Popularity of Peyton
Peyton is a unisex name of English origin that means “fighting-man’s estate.” It is a name that has been growing in popularity since the 1990s.
According to the U.S. Social Security Administration, Peyton first entered the list of the top 1,000 baby names as a boy’s name in 1989, and it entered the top 1,000 girl’s names in 1992. Since then, it has been steadily rising in popularity for both genders.
In recent years, Peyton has become more popular for girls than for boys. In fact, in 2020, Peyton was the 44th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, while it was only the 536th most popular name for baby boys.
Peyton’s popularity may be due to its versatility. It is a name that can be used for both boys and girls, and it has a modern, trendy sound. Additionally, the name Peyton has been used by several celebrities, including actress Peyton List and football player Peyton Manning, which may have contributed to its popularity.
Overall, Peyton is a name that has been steadily growing in popularity for several decades, and it shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the name Peyton is a popular and versatile name with a rich history and meaning. Its origin can be traced back to Old English, where it was derived from a surname meaning “Pœga’s town” or “fighting man’s estate”.
Peyton has been used as both a boy’s and girl’s name, and its popularity has remained steady over the years. According to BabyCenter user data, Peyton was the 2645th most popular name for boys in 2023.
Parents who are considering the name Peyton for their child may also be interested in similar names, such as Preston, Ryder, Hayden, and Caleb. It is also worth noting that Peyton has been used by several famous people, including football player Peyton Manning and actress Peyton List.
Overall, Peyton is a classic and timeless name that can be a great choice for any child. Its meaning and history make it a unique and special name that is sure to stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some facts about the name Peyton?
Peyton is a unisex name that originated from an English surname. It means “fighting-man’s estate” and is derived from the Old English words “pǣga” meaning “fight” and “tūn” meaning “estate.” Famous people with the name Peyton include football player Peyton Manning and actress Peyton List.
Is Peyton a good name for a girl?
Yes, Peyton is a popular name for girls in the United States. It ranked #75 on the list of most popular girl names in 2021. It has a strong and unique sound, making it a great choice for parents who want a gender-neutral name that is not too common.
What does Peyton mean in German?
Peyton does not have a direct translation in German. However, it is a name that is recognized and used in Germany.
What does Peyton mean in the Bible?
Peyton is not mentioned in the Bible.
Does Peyton mean royalty?
No, Peyton does not have any association with royalty.
Is Peyton a Viking name?
No, Peyton is not a Viking name. It originated from an English surname and has no direct connection to Viking culture or language.