Meaning and History of the name Naughton
The name Naughton is derived from the Gaelic “MacNeachtain”, which translates to “son of Neachtan”. Neachtan is an ancient Gaelic name that means “pure” or “clear”. This name is reflective of the traditional Gaelic naming conventions, where names often held descriptive meanings linked to the characteristics or roles of individuals.
Popularity
The Scottish name Naughton did not appear in the Scottish boys’ top 100 names chart.
However, the original meaning of Naughton comes from the old Irish and is originally Gaelic. The name Naughton states that the child is a descendant of Nechtan. This was an old Irish clan that was alive and well in the 1300’s. In the early 1600s, the name arrived in Scotland and meant pure. This meaning comes from the idea that boys named this were of pure blood.
The popularity of Naughton can be seen throughout the new world having multiple cities named after it. There is a Naughton, Ontario; Naughton, Suffolk, and even a Naughton park in England.
Famous people with the name
Several notable individuals have borne the name Naughton, contributing to its recognition and prestige. Some of these include:
- David Naughton, is an American actor and singer known for his roles in “An American Werewolf in London” and the television series “Makin’ It”.
- Michael Naughton, a prominent British academic and writer focused on wrongful convictions and miscarriages of justice.
The Name Today
Most of the people who have the name in today’s day and age have it as their last name rather than their first. A few of the more notable Naughtons are Kyle Naughton an English footballer who plays for Swansea City, turn of the century playwright Bill Naughton, and popular American actor David Naughton known for his starring role in The American Werewolf in London. Naughton being used as a first name has all but disappeared in the modern naming of boys.
Useful Resources
Check out the meaning and origin of other Scottish boys’ names.