Thornton
From Old English þorn (“thorn”) + tūn (“settlement”).
Every Thornton since 1880 — 3,132 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Thornton
Thornton is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #8,190 in 2025 with 10 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1880, 3,132 American babies have been named Thornton. Its peak came in 1921, when 75 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1920s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Thornton stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Thornton year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 10 | #8,190 |
| 2024 | 6 | #12,205 |
| 2023 | 5 | #13,984 |
| 2022 | — | — |
| 2021 | 6 | #11,989 |
| 2020 | 8 | #9,474 |
| 2019 | 8 | #9,652 |
| 2018 | 11 | #7,564 |
| 2017 | 13 | #6,627 |
| 2016 | 10 | #8,090 |
| 2015 | 9 | #8,673 |
| 2014 | 11 | #7,509 |
| 2013 | 10 | #8,047 |
| 2012 | 8 | #9,614 |
| 2011 | 9 | #8,687 |
| 2010 | — | — |
| 2009 | 12 | #7,190 |
| 2008 | 7 | #10,926 |
| 2007 | — | — |
| 2006 | 12 | #6,868 |
| 2005 | 9 | #8,235 |
| 2004 | 10 | #7,472 |
| 2003 | 11 | #6,677 |
| 2002 | 6 | #10,533 |
| 2001 | 8 | #8,249 |
| 2000 | 12 | #5,878 |
| 1995 | 14 | #4,487 |
| 1990 | 16 | #3,759 |
| 1985 | 8 | #5,104 |
| 1980 | 18 | #2,721 |
| 1975 | 20 | #2,281 |
| 1970 | 12 | #2,879 |
| 1965 | 11 | #2,602 |
| 1960 | 17 | #2,030 |
| 1955 | 22 | #1,677 |
| 1950 | 39 | #1,166 |
| 1945 | 33 | #1,161 |
| 1940 | 34 | #1,154 |
| 1935 | 37 | #1,075 |
| 1930 | 47 | #1,005 |
| 1925 | 50 | #971 |
| 1920 | 68 | #815 |
| 1915 | 64 | #755 |
| 1910 | 20 | #674 |
| 1905 | 7 | #1,082 |
| 1900 | 11 | #831 |
| 1895 | 12 | #637 |
| 1890 | 6 | #987 |
| 1885 | 5 | #1,088 |
| 1880 | 12 | #562 |
Famous people named Thornton
- Thornton Wilder Writer · 1897–1975
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Thornton mean?
From Old English þorn (“thorn”) + tūn (“settlement”).
How popular is the name Thornton in 2025?
Thornton ranked #8,190 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 10 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Thornton?
3,132 babies have been named Thornton in the United States since 1880, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Thornton most popular?
Thornton peaked in 1921, when 75 newborns received the name.
Is Thornton a boy or girl name?
Thornton is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Thornton rising or falling?
Thornton is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Thornton?
Well-known people named Thornton include Thornton Wilder (writer).