The given name Felton is an English surname that has been used as a first name. It originated as a locational surname derived from the Old English words "feld" meaning field and "tun" meaning enclosure or settlement, referring to someone who lived near an open field or meadow.

The earliest recorded use of Felton as a surname dates back to the late 12th century in Northumberland, England. It was a common surname in that region, as well as in other parts of northern England and the Scottish Borders.

In terms of its use as a first name, one of the earliest recorded instances is Felton Hervey, an English poet and playwright born in 1662. He is best known for his tragedy "The Vow-Breaker" and his comedies "The Forced Marriage" and "The Mistake".

Another notable bearer of the name Felton was John Felton, an English Catholic fanatic who assassinated George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham, in 1628. He was born around 1595 and executed for his crime in 1628.

In the late 18th century, Felton Elwell was a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. He was born in 1743 and later became a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy.

During the American Civil War, Samuel Merrill Felton was a Union Army officer who served as a brigadier general. He was born in 1809 and fought in several major battles, including the Battle of Gettysburg.

In the field of literature, Felton Gervais was an American author and journalist who lived from 1914 to 1998. He is best known for his novel "The Confessions of a College Slacker" and his work as a writer for various newspapers and magazines.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the given name Felton, which has its roots in the English language and references to open fields or settlements.