The baby name Keaton blends current style with some appealing pop culture moments.
Thanks to Annie for suggesting our Baby Name of the Day.
WHAT DOES KEATON MEAN?
There’s no question that Keaton started out on the map, as a place name.
But it turns out that there’s more than one possible origin, including:
- Keaton, Keeton, or Caton can come from a Welsh or Cornish word meaning “hedge enclosure” combined with that familiar -tun or -ton, indicating a settlement
- Ketton and Keaton can come from an Old English or Old Norse given name, either Catta or Kati, again with -ton at the end
- Lastly, it’s possible a forgotten river name or tribal name explains the first element, once again with -ton tacked on
It eventually became a surname name for anyone who came from a place named Keaton.
And that is how the baby name Keaton got its start.
NOTABLE FIGURES
Actors, athletes, and other notables have worn the last name Keaton, but one stands out: actor and silent film star Buster Keaton.
Born Joseph, he got his start in vaudeville as part of his parents’ act. The film industry was brand new at the turn of the 20th century. Berlin, Germany was an early innovator. Hollywood emerged during the 1920s, and Buster made the leap from the stage to screen. He was known for physical comedy, taking risks doing his own stunts.
While his career floundered in the 1930s, he eventually returned to work on screen, included television. He hosted the The Buster Keaton Show in Los Angeles – but because it was broadcast live, no recordings exist – and even appearing in an episode of the classic Twilight Zone series.
His cultural significance and influence in the history of American film is significant.
In more recent years, actor Michael Keaton became a household name.
So did the late Diane Keaton. The actress might make some parents consider Keaton a gender-neutral option in the key of Aniston or Winslet.
FAMILY TIES
During the 1980s, the surname Keaton took on a different association.
Sitcom Family Ties debuted on NBC in 1982, running for seven seasons through 1989. It focused on the Keaton family. Former hippie parents, Steven and Elyse, remained idealistic. Son Alex P. Keaton dressed in blue blazers and idolized Ronald Reagan.
Michael J. Fox rose to fame as the Keaton son, and a poster child for a sort of cultural moment in the United States during the Reagan era. Fox won three Emmy Awards for the role.
HOW POPULAR IS THE NAME KEATON?
Keaton appears as a first name in US popularity data way back in 1925, when five boys received the name.
But it really gained in use during the 1980s. By 1985, 109 boys – plus nine girls – were named Keaton. That was enough for the baby name Keaton to debut in the US Top 1000 at #870.
Peak use came around the turn of the 21st century.
The name has gently declined since then, falling to #843 for boys as of 2024.
In addition, 27 girls were named Keaton in 2024. About two dozen girls are given the name most years during the last decade.
It’s heard elsewhere in the English-speaking world, too, including the United Kingdom. Keaton left the England and Wales Top 1000 after the year 2020.
POLISHED POSSIBILITY
The baby name Keaton sounds like the type of names parents embraced early in the 21st century. It’s a surname alternative to Kaitlyn for girls or Kevin for boys; and another option in the mix with Cameron, Carter, and Keegan.
Michael J. Fox’s image remains imprinted on the name, too. There’s something preppy and polished about this place name – like it’s meant to wear the character’s signature ties and sweater vests. Or maybe Diane Keaton’s iconic menswear look.
There’s a creativity and optimism about Keaton, probably thanks to the famous figures that come to mind. There’s a certain versatility, too. even though nicknames are scarce.
And while the name’s peak popularity is in the past, Keaton was never so familiar that it feels time-stamped.
If you’re looking for an established choice that isn’t too common, one that feels current in style and crisp and upbeat, this could be the perfect baby name for your child.
What do you think of the baby name Keaton?
