Thorn bush settlement
Derived from Old English, this name originally served as a place name for a town or homestead situated near a thorn bush or thicket. It transitioned from a common English surname to a distinguished given name during the 19th century.
Less common today
Thornton isn't in the latest US Top 1000. It last peaked at #3,611 in 1990.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
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