All about the name

Dawson

Female

« Dawson is an English surname-turned-first-name, originating from Middle English word 'dawsun', meaning dark-haired or complexioned, or possibly derived from habitational names of places called Dawson in England. It has historical significance and remains popular today. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Dawson is a name of English origin, derived from the surname Dawson. The surname Dawson is believed to have originated from two possible sources: it could be a habitational name for someone who lived at one of several places named Dawson in England, such as those in Northumberland and Durham, or it could be a nickname given to someone with a dark complexion or hair color, as the word "dawson" was used to describe a dark-haired person in Middle English. The name Dawson has been in use for many centuries and has been passed down through generations of families. It is thought that the name may have been brought to England by Norse invaders, who named their settlements after natural features such as rivers or valleys. The name Dawson has also been associated with several notable figures throughout history, including Sir John Dawson, a 16th-century English courtier and politician. Today, Dawson is still a popular choice of name for boys in English-speaking countries around the world. It is often associated with the American actor James Van Der Beek, who played the character Dawson Leery on the hit television show "Dawson's Creek" during the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, despite its pop culture associations, Dawson remains a name with a rich history and meaningful origins that date back centuries.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Dawson since 1880

Total births
1,226
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
100 births
in 2023
100
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+90%
vs previous 5 years