Clapton

Clapton is an English surname and a toponym. In England, Clapton refers to a district in the London Borough of Hackney, historically part of Middlesex, known for areas such as Clapton Square and Clapton Pond.

Eric Clapton (born 1945) is the best-known bearer of the name. He is an English guitarist, singer and songwriter whose career has spanned more than six decades. Clapton gained prominence in the 1960s with the Yardbirds and John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers, later co-founding the band Cream, and subsequently pursuing a highly successful solo career. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in popular music, with a distinctive blues-inflected style and the nickname “Slowhand.” His discography includes influential albums and songs such as Layla and Tears in Heaven, along with numerous other charting releases. Clapton has received multiple awards and is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on several occasions for his work with different groups and as a solo artist.

The surname Clapton has been borne by other individuals in various fields, though Eric Clapton remains the most prominent figure associated with the name. The Clapton district in London is a residential area with a long local history and a number of historic sites tied to its development within Greater London.