Peyton is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It has gained popularity in recent years, particularly as a girl's name, although it can also be used for boys.
The name Peyton is derived from the Irish surname O'Pidden, which means "fighting man's son." The surname was later anglicized to Peyton, and over time, it evolved into a given name. It is important to note that while Peyton has Irish origins, it does not mean "peaceful" or "peacemaker," as some people mistakenly believe.
The first recorded use of Peyton as a given name in America was in the late 19th century, but it did not become popular until much later. In the mid-20th century, it was typically used for boys, with notable examples including American football player Peyton Manning and actor Peyton Wich.
However, since the 1990s, Peyton has been used more frequently as a girl's name, particularly after the popularity of characters like Peyton Sawyer in the television series "One Tree Hill." Today, it is considered a unisex name but is still more commonly given to girls.
In terms of popularity, Peyton has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 names for girls and boys in the United States since the early 2000s. It peaked at number 276 for girls in 2006 and reached its highest rank for boys at number 957 in 2004.
Overall, Peyton is an attractive and distinctive given name with Irish origins that has gained popularity in recent decades, particularly as a girl's name. Its unique sound and unisex nature make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Peyton has seen a significant rise in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, as indicated by the annual birth statistics provided.
In the early years from 1957 to 1971, the number of births with the name Peyton was relatively low, ranging from 5 to 24 per year. However, starting from 1972, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with the number of births rising to 16 that year.
The late 1980s and early 1990s saw a more substantial surge in popularity for the name Peyton. In 1984, there were 25 births, and by 1990, this number had grown to 61. The years 1992 to 1995 marked a significant turning point, with over 500 births each year.
The peak of popularity for the name Peyton occurred between 1996 and 2008, with an astonishing rise from 1,104 births in 1996 to a high of 5,317 births in 2009. This decade-long period saw a remarkable increase in the number of babies named Peyton.
After reaching its peak popularity around the late 2000s and early 2010s, the name Peyton has since seen a steady decline in usage. In recent years, from 2016 to 2023, the number of births with the name Peyton has decreased significantly, ranging from 1,953 births in 2023 to a low of 2,318 births in 2022.
In total, over the period from 1957 to 2023, there have been 84,806 births with the name Peyton in the United States. This demonstrates the fluctuating popularity of the name Peyton throughout the years and its current status as a well-established but less commonly used name compared to its peak popularity.