Paxton Name Meaning | Origin, History & Popularity

Paxton is a name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a unisex name that is traditionally used as a last name. In this article, we will explore the meaning, popularity, history, cultural significance, and famous people of the name Paxton.

Meaning of Paxton

The name Paxton has an English origin, and it means “peaceful town”. The name is derived from the Old English words “peac” which means “peace” and “tun” which means “town or settlement”. The name is also associated with the Latin word “pax” which means “peace”.

Popularity of Paxton

Paxton is a name that has been steadily gaining popularity in the United States over the past few decades. In 2020, it ranked as the 354th most popular name for boys, and the 739th most popular name for girls, according to the Social Security Administration.

The name has been most popular in the Western United States, particularly in states like Utah, Idaho, and Montana. It has also become a popular choice for parents looking for gender-neutral names for their children.

History of Paxton

Paxton was originally a surname that was used as a place name in England. The first recorded use of the name was in the 12th century in the county of Lancashire. It was derived from the village of Paxton, which was located near the Scottish border.

Over time, the name Paxton became more commonly used as a last name, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It was often used by families who lived in or around the town of Paxton or had ancestral ties to the area.

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The use of Paxton as a first name is a more recent phenomenon. It has become more popular in the United States in recent years, particularly as a gender-neutral name.

Cultural Significance of Paxton

The name Paxton is associated with the concept of peace, which is a universal value in many cultures around the world. It has also been used in various religious and spiritual traditions as a symbol of peace and harmony.

In popular culture, the name Paxton has been used in a number of different ways. In literature, it has been used as a character name in various books and stories. For example, in the “Inheritance” series by Christopher Paolini, Paxton is the name of a character who is a dragon rider.

In music, the name Paxton has been used as the title of various songs, such as “Paxton” by John Fullbright and “Paxton Quigley’s Had the Course” by Cheryl Wheeler.

Famous People with the Name Paxton

Despite being a relatively new first name, there are already several notable people with the name Paxton. Here are some examples:

  • Bill Paxton: A famous American actor known for his roles in films like “Titanic”, “Twister”, and “Aliens”.
  • Paxton Booth: An American child actor who is best known for his role on the Disney Channel series “Coop and Cami Ask the World”.
  • Paxton Lynch: An American football quarterback who has played for teams like the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks.

Variations of the Name Paxton

There are a few variations of the name Paxton that have also been used over time. These include:

  • Pax: A shortened form of the name Paxton that has been used as a standalone name as well. It means “peace” in Latin.
  • Paxon: A variation of the name Paxton that has been used as a first name in the United States. It is more commonly used for boys than for girls.
  • Paxten: Another variation of the name Paxton.
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