Clayton

"Clay settlement" — a grounded English surname with solid, dependable character

Clayton is an Old English habitational surname meaning clay settlement or town on clay soil, from the elements claeg (clay) and tun (settlement, enclosure). The name appears in numerous English and Scottish place names. As a given name, Clayton has been in use since the 19th century and was particularly popular in the American South. It retains a reliably handsome, no-frills character — a name that sounds like someone who keeps their word. Clayton Kershaw, the celebrated baseball pitcher, has brought the name fresh sporting energy in recent years.