Leighton
/ˈleɪ.tən/
Leighton comes from an English surname derived from a place name. The Old English elements are lēac (“leek, herb garden”) and tūn (“settlement”), meaning “herb garden town.”
The name jumped to feminine use after actress Leighton Meester began starring in Gossip Girl in 2007. Before that, it was a rare, gender-neutral surname name.
Leighton ranked No. 395 in 2024 with 797 births. It peaked at No. 357 in 2023 with 853 births, near its current all-time high.
What the name Leighton means
The name fits the contemporary pattern of converting English place-name surnames into girls’ first names, alongside Emerson, Addison, and Harper.
Two syllables - LAY-ton - are crisp and modern. The “eigh” spelling adds visual interest that sets it apart from simpler constructions.
Parents choosing Leighton appreciate its preppy, polished sound. It carries an air of sophistication without being overtly traditional.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Leighton
Leighton - similar names
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