Ashton, originally a surname, is derived from the Old English elements æsc, meaning "ash tree," and tun, meaning "town" or "settlement." Together, it translates to "ash tree town." The name was once more popular for girls, but has since grown overwhelmingly masculine. Famous actor Ashton Kutcher could have a lot to do with that. The name started gaining popularity in 1982, four years after Kutcher was born, and entered the top 100 for the first (and only) time in 2004, just as Kutcher's career was taking off. It has now been a top 160 name for boys ever year since 2003.
