Creighton is a masculine given name of English origin, derived from a Scottish and Irish habitational surname. The surname itself originates from the barony of Crichton in Midlothian, Scotland, and is composed of the Gaelic crìoch meaning "border" and Old English tūn meaning "town" or "settlement". Thus, the name originally referred to a settlement at a border. Etymology and History The place name Crichton, from which Creighton derives, was first recorded in the 12th century. The shift from the spelling Crichton to Creighton occurred over time, particularly in Ireland where the name was borne by Anglo-Norman settlers. The Creighton surname became established in Ulster, notably in counties Fermanagh and Donegal. Notable Bearers Several distinguished individuals bear the given name Creighton. Creighton Abrams (1914–1974) was a U.S. Army general who served as Chief of Staff and commanded in the Vietnam War. Creighton Miller (1922–2000) was an American football running back for the University of Notre Dame. In higher education, Creighton Peden (born 1934) is a noted American philosopher and theologian. Among sports figures, Creighton Burns (born 1952) is a former Australian rules footballer. Related Names The name is related to the variants Crichton (the original Scottish spelling) and Kreighton (an Americanized form). It also shares its first element with Crioch and the second with many –ton surnames derived from place names. Meaning: "Border town" (from Gaelic crioch and Old English tun) Origin: Scottish and Irish habitational name, changed subsequent as a given name Type: Masculine given name Regions Used: Primarily English-speaking countries, especially the United States, Canada, and Australia