Alton (given name)

Alton is a masculine given name of Old English origin. It is derived from a place name meaning "town by the spring" or "old town." The elements are ald meaning "old" and tun meaning "town" or "settlement". It can also be associated with the River Alne in Warwickshire, England, adding a Celtic element to its potential etymology, where Alne may relate to "bright" or "shining."

The name Alton has been used in various English-speaking countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Its popularity has fluctuated over time. While not exceptionally common, it is a recognizable and established name.

People with the given name Alton:

• Alton Brown, American television personality, food show presenter, chef, author, actor, and cinematographer.
• Alton Ellis, Jamaican singer and one of the founders of rocksteady.
• Alton Sterling, an African-American man whose death at the hands of police sparked protests.
• Alton Glenn Miller, known as Glenn Miller, an American big-band musician, arranger, composer, and bandleader in the swing era.