The name Shelton originates from Old English and has its roots in the Anglo-Saxon era, dating back to the 5th century AD. It is derived from the words "scylf" meaning "shelf" or "ledge," and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." Together, these words form the meaning "a settlement near a ledge or shelf."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Shelton can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of land ownership in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name was likely bestowed upon individuals living in areas with prominent geological features such as cliffs or ledges.

In the Middle Ages, the name Shelton was primarily associated with individuals from the English counties of Bedfordshire, Nottinghamshire, and Staffordshire, where settlements bearing the name can still be found today.

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Shelton. One of the earliest was Shelton Laurence (c. 1540-1616), an English churchman and writer who served as the Archdeacon of Salisbury in the late 16th century.

Another prominent figure was Shelton Benjamin (1690-1738), an American colonial educator and minister who founded the Collegiate School in Savannah, Georgia, which later became the University of Georgia.

In the literary world, Shelton Mackenzie (1805-1881) was a Scottish journalist and biographer who wrote extensively on the lives of notable figures such as Charles Dickens and Samuel Johnson.

The name also has a connection to the arts, with Shelton Brooks (1886-1975), an American painter and printmaker known for his depictions of urban life in New York City during the early 20th century.

In more recent times, Shelton Benjamin (born 1975) is an American professional wrestler who has competed in organizations such as WWE and Ring of Honor, further adding to the legacy of this historic name.