Dawson
Dawson is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Son of David (son of the beloved).
Origin and history
Dawson originated as an English surname meaning son of David. It rose significantly in popularity during the late 1990s, partially influenced by popular culture. Today, it remains a well-established and steady choice for boys in the United States.
Popularity in the United States
52,802 babies in the United States have been named Dawson since 1880. It ranks #489 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #166.
States where it is most popular
- TX (7 %)
- GA (4.8 %)
- NC (4.3 %)
- FL (4.2 %)
- OH (4.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 26 |
| 1890-1900 | 19 |
| 1900-1910 | 38 |
| 1910-1920 | 220 |
| 1920-1930 | 304 |
| 1930-1940 | 231 |
| 1940-1950 | 264 |
| 1950-1960 | 233 |
| 1960-1970 | 159 |
| 1970-1980 | 211 |
| 1980-1990 | 354 |
| 1990-2000 | 5,750 |
| 2000-2010 | 16,868 |
| 2010-2019 | 14,803 |
| 2020-2029 | 13,322 |
Famous people named Dawson
- Dawson Knox: Athlete, Football Player
Fun facts
- The name saw a dramatic surge in U.S. popularity following the 1998 debut of the teen drama TV series Dawson's Creek.
- Like many modern American first names, Dawson transitioned from an Old English patronymic surname into a given name.