Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Leighton
UnisexEnglish, Old English· “leek enclosure or herb garden”
- Meaning
- leek enclosure or herb garden
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- LAY-tuhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #342
- US babies 2025
- 892
- Best rank
- #342 (2025)
- Peak year
- 2025
Meaning and origin of Leighton
Leighton is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “leek enclosure or herb garden”.
Leighton is an English surname taken from several place names in England. It is usually derived from Old English leac, a leek or garden herb, and tun, an enclosure or settlement, giving a sense of a kitchen garden or herb farm. Like many place-based surnames it gradually moved into use as a first name. It was once mainly masculine but is now used for both boys and girls, especially in the United States. The name has a crisp, polished sound, and spellings such as Layton and Leyton are also found.
Other spellings with the same sound: Layton.
Popularity over time
Leighton first appears in US Social Security records in 1956. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 17 different years, starting in 2009. It is at its all-time high right now: 2025 brought both its best national rank, #342, and its highest count, 892 babies. Use has grown 31% in ten years.
Its national rank moved from #3,562 in 2000, #648 in 2010, and #342 in 2025. Of the 12,412 US girls named Leighton since records began, 50% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 4,986 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Baylor, Miller, Sunny, Emory, and Kayce.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Leighton ranked highest in Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Montana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska | #108 | 20 |
| Oklahoma | #125 | 29 |
| Montana | #130 | 8 |
| Tennessee | #146 | 51 |
| Mississippi | #159 | 16 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Leighton is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 72% of US babies named Leighton were girls and 28% were boys.
Leighton is usually pronounced LAY-tuhn, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with L and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Layton.
Middle names for Leighton
A few middle names that flow with Leighton: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Leighton
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Lists that include Leighton
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Leighton mean?
Leighton is an English and Old English name that is usually said to mean “leek enclosure or herb garden”.
What is the origin of the name Leighton?
Leighton has English and Old English roots. Leighton is an English surname taken from several place names in England.
Is Leighton a popular name?
Yes. Leighton ranked #342 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Leighton a boy or girl name?
Leighton is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 72% of US babies named Leighton were girls and 28% were boys.
How do you pronounce Leighton?
Leighton is usually pronounced LAY-tuhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings