Dawson
Meaningson of David · English
- US rank
- #143
- Syllables
- 2
- Peak
- #136 in 1999
2,487 babies were named Dawson in the US in 2025. It has climbed 54 places in five years.
Save adds it to your list. Vote moves it up the top voted names.
US births per million boys, 1885–2025
Most popular states (2025)
Similar names
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
Did you know?
A few things about Dawson you might not know, from US birth records. Handy for convincing a partner, or a grandparent.
- How commonAbout 1 in every 687 baby boys born in the US in 2025 was named Dawson, 2,487 babies in all. In a typical school of 500 kids, your Dawson would very likely be the only one.
- HistoryDawson first shows up in US birth records in 1885, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 140 years since.
- Best yearIts best year was 1999, when it reached #136.
- TrendDawson has climbed 54 places in the US rankings over the last five years and now sits at #143. Fast risers like this often keep climbing, so expect to hear it more.
- Where it's lovedDawson is most popular in West Virginia, where it ranks #33, followed by Alaska (#46) and Idaho (#47). It makes the top 1,000 in almost every state.
- MeaningIn English, Dawson means “son of David”. Our records link it to English and Hebrew roots.
About the name Dawson
Dawson is a boy name of English and Hebrew origin meaning “son of David”. It has 6 letters and 2 syllables, starting with D and ending in “-son”. US birth records list Dawson for boys from 1885 to 2025, in 129 of those 141 years. Its best year was 1999, when it ranked #136 among boy names. In 2025 it ranked #143, with 2,487 babies.
Origin:English namesHebrew names
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 47 | 21,124 boys |
| 1890s | 17 | 57,803 boys |
| 1900s | 28 | 35,336 boys |
| 1910s | 37 | 26,998 boys |
| 1920s | 28 | 36,232 boys |
| 1930s | 22 | 45,725 boys |
| 1940s | 18 | 56,689 boys |
| 1950s | 12 | 85,616 boys |
| 1960s | 8.3 | 120,773 boys |
| 1970s | 13 | 77,942 boys |
| 1980s | 19 | 52,687 boys |
| 1990s | 300 | 3,338 boys |
| 2000s | 848 | 1,179 boys |
| 2010s | 792 | 1,263 boys |
| 2020s | 1,287 | 777 boys |
More English boy names
- Boy name: Oliver · olive tree
- Boy name: Henry · ruler of the home
- Unisex name: James · supplanter
- Boy name: William · resolute protector
- Boy name: Benjamin · son of the right hand
- Boy name: Jack · God is gracious
- Unisex name: Hudson · son of Hudde
- Unisex name: Julian · of the Julius family
Questions about the name Dawson
What does the name Dawson mean?
Dawson means “son of David” in English.
What is the origin of the name Dawson?
Dawson has English, Hebrew roots in our records. Other English names include Oliver, Henry, James.
Is Dawson a boy or girl name?
Dawson is a boy name, though a few girls get it too.
How popular is the name Dawson?
Dawson ranked #143 for US boys in 2025, given to 2,487 babies. Its best year was 1999 (#136).