Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Paxton
BoyOld English, English· “from an English place name”
- Meaning
- from an English place name
- Origin
- Old English, English
- Pronunciation
- PAKS-tun
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #338
- US babies 2025
- 988
- Best rank
- #203 (2016)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Paxton
Paxton is an Old English and English name that is usually said to mean “from an English place name”.
Paxton is an English surname taken from a place name, usually explained as "Pæcc's town," combining an Old English personal name with tun, meaning "settlement." Many people assume it contains the Latin pax, "peace," but that is a modern association rather than its actual origin. Sir Joseph Paxton, the Victorian gardener and architect who designed the Crystal Palace, is a well-known historical bearer. As a first name Paxton has grown popular in the United States, fitting alongside Jaxon and Braxton. It has a sharp, modern sound, and Pax is an easy nickname.
Popularity over time
Paxton first appears in US Social Security records in 1921. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 29 different years, starting in 1997. Its best national rank was #203 in 2016, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,993 babies. In 2025, 988 babies were named Paxton, and it ranked #338 nationally. That is 41% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,425 in 1980, #947 in 2000, #296 in 2010, and #338 in 2025. Of the 28,194 US boys named Paxton since records began, 55% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 7,558 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Jax, Iker, Kyrie, Simon, and Finn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Paxton ranked highest in Hawaii, Kentucky, and Mississippi.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #103 | 10 |
| Kentucky | #148 | 37 |
| Mississippi | #198 | 16 |
| Oklahoma | #199 | 25 |
| South Carolina | #205 | 28 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 95% of US babies named Paxton over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Paxton is usually pronounced PAKS-tun, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with P and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Paxton
A few middle names that flow with Paxton: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Paxton
Similar names
Braxton Boy
BRAK-stuhn
“Bracca's town” · Old English
#172
Kingston Boy
KIHNG-stuhn
“king's town” · English
#204
Waylon Boy
WAY-luhn
“form of Wayland, the legendary smith” · English
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Byron Boy
BY-ruhn
“at the cattle sheds” · Old English
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Landon Boy
LAN-duhn
“long hill” · English
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Brandon Boy
BRAN-duhn
“broom-covered hill” · Old English
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Jaxon Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
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Peyton Unisex
PAY-tuhn
“Pacca's town” · English
#199
Colton Boy
KOHL-tuhn
“from an English place name” · English
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Easton Boy
EES-tuhn
“east town” · English
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Jaxson Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#156
Greyson Boy
GRAY-suhn
“son of the steward” · English
#149
Lists that include Paxton
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Paxton mean?
Paxton is an Old English and English name that is usually said to mean “from an English place name”.
What is the origin of the name Paxton?
Paxton has Old English and English roots. Paxton is an English surname taken from a place name, usually explained as "Pæcc's town," combining an Old English personal name with tun, meaning "settlement." Many people assume it contains the Latin pax, "peace," but that is a modern association rather than its actual origin.
Is Paxton a popular name?
Yes. Paxton ranked #338 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Paxton a boy or girl name?
Paxton is mainly a boy's name. About 95% of US babies named Paxton over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Paxton?
Paxton is usually pronounced PAKS-tun. 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