Are you considering the name Wilton for your baby, or are you simply curious about its origins and meaning? Either way, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll explore the linguistic and cultural significance of the name Wilton, its variations, famous people who bear the name, its use in literature and popular culture, and much more. By the end of this article, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the name Wilton and its place in the world of baby names.
1. Origins
The name Wilton has English origins and is derived from the Old English words “wil” meaning “desire” and “tun” meaning “town” or “settlement.” Therefore, the name Wilton can be interpreted to mean “desirable town” or “settlement of desire.”
2. What does Wilton mean?
The meaning of Wilton is “desirable town” or “settlement of desire.” The name suggests a place that is highly sought after or desirable, perhaps due to its natural beauty, resources, or strategic location.
3. Variations
There are several variations of the name Wilton, including Willton, Wylton, and Wilten. These variations differ only slightly from the original name and are primarily used for stylistic purposes.
4. Famous People
Several notable people bear the name Wilton, including Wilton S. Tifft, an American astronomer and co-discoverer of the Tifft crater on the Moon, and Wilton Felder, an American saxophonist and founding member of the jazz group The Crusaders. Other famous Wiltons include Wilton Guerrero, a former Major League Baseball player, and Wilton Lopez, a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher.
5. Literature and Popular Culture
The name Wilton has been used in literature and popular culture in various ways. In the novel “The House of Mirth” by Edith Wharton, the character Wilton Bry is a wealthy socialite who becomes involved with the protagonist, Lily Bart. In the television series “Downton Abbey,” Wilton is the surname of the family’s butler, Mr. Carson. The name has also been used in several films, including “Wilton’s Zoo” and “Wilton’s Wonderland.”
6. Popularity
The popularity of the name Wilton has fluctuated over time. It was most popular in the United States in the early 1900s but has since declined in popularity. In recent years, the name has been given to fewer than 100 babies per year in the United States.
7. Regional Differences in Popularity
The name Wilton is more common in the United States than in other countries, particularly in the southern and midwestern regions. It is less common in Europe and other parts of the world.
8. Psychology of Naming
Parents may choose the name Wilton for their child for a variety of reasons. Some may be drawn to the name’s meaning of “desirable town” or “settlement of desire,” while others may simply like the sound of the name. The name may also be chosen as a way to honor a family member or friend with the name Wilton.
9. Gender-Neutral Name
The name Wilton is considered gender-neutral, meaning it is not typically associated with a particular gender. However, it is more commonly given to boys than girls in the United States.
10. Etymology
The name Wilton has English origins and is derived from the Old English words “wil” meaning “desire” and “tun” meaning “town” or “settlement.” The name has been in use since the Middle Ages and has evolved over time to its current form.
11. Mythology and Folklore
There are no known mythological or folkloric stories associated with the name Wilton.
12. Religion
The name Wilton is not associated with any particular religion or religious figure.
13. Nicknames
Common nicknames for the name Wilton include Will, Willy, and Ton.