"son of Paye/Pace (son of Peace)"
Origin: Old English/Latin
Language: English
Payson
Pronunciation: [ p-AYZ-uhn ]
Does Payson flow with your last name?
A peaceful surname name with Yankee heritage
American
English
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Strong
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Payson
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Meaning & Origin
"son of the peacemaker"
Origin: English
Language: English
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The Story of Payson
Payson is an English surname used as a given name, derived from an old English personal name Paye (itself a diminutive of Latin Pax, meaning peace) plus the suffix -son (son of). The surname Payson was common in colonial New England — most notably Edward Payson (1783-1827), a celebrated Congregationalist minister in Portland, Maine. As a first name, it fits comfortably within the modern American tradition of surname-style given names for boys.
Payson began appearing as a given name in the United States in the late 1990s and grew steadily in the 2010s alongside other -son suffix names like Mason, Grayson, and Dawson. It fits the surname-name trend that has dominated American baby naming for two decades.
Payson, Utah is a notable city of that name, and the name has long heritage in New England through the Congregationalist minister Edward Payson, widely known in the 19th century. As a given name, it projects the solid, grounded quality of New England heritage combined with modern American confidence.
Historical Record
Payson first appeared in US Social Security records in 1960.
Over 1,384 babies have been named Payson in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Payson is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,637 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Edward Payson (1783-1827) was a famous Congregationalist minister whose collected sermons were bestsellers in the early 1800s
- Payson, Utah was named after a local early settler and is the site of several major outdoor events
Payson in Other Languages
French
Payson
Spanish
Payson
Portuguese
Payson
Popularity Over Time
#2,637
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Payson
E
Edward Payson
Religious
1783
American Congregationalist minister and author known as the Seraphic Payson, whose sermons were widely published
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Compare Payson with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,637
- Total SSA Count
- 50
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Pay
Paz
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Payson
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Payson is also used as a girl name, ranked #3931.
View Payson as a girl name →Similar Names
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Greek origin
"defender (Greek mythological meaning)"
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Old High German origin
"powerful ruler"
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Frequently Asked Questions About Payson
What does the name Payson mean?
"son of Paye/Pace (son of Peace)" (from Old English/Latin). "son of the peacemaker" (from English). Payson is an English surname used as a given name, derived from an old English personal name Paye (itself a diminutive of Latin Pax, meaning peace) plus the suffix -son (son of). The surname Payson was common in colonial New England — most notably Edward Payson (1783-1827), a celebrated Congregationalist minister in Portland, Maine. As a first name, it fits comfortably within the modern American tradition of surname-style given names for boys.
What is the origin of the name Payson?
Payson has Old English/Latin, English, and American origins. In Old English/Latin, it means "son of Paye/Pace (son of Peace)". In English, it means "son of the peacemaker".
Is Payson a boy or girl name?
Payson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #2637. As a girl name, it is ranked #3931. Payson is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Payson?
Payson is pronounced p-AYZ-uhn.
How popular is the name Payson?
Payson is currently ranked #2637 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Payson?
Common nicknames for Payson include Pay and Paz.
What are good middle names for Payson?
Popular middle name pairings include Payson James, Payson Thomas, Payson Lee, Payson Cole, Payson Reed, and Payson Grant.
What are good sibling names for Payson?
Names that pair well with Payson as siblings include Mason, Grayson, Hadley, Peyton, Kinsley, and Dawson.
How many syllables does Payson have?
Payson has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Payson a common or rare name?
Payson is an uncommon name, ranked #2637 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Payson
Payson is a boy name with American and English origins . The name means "son of Paye/Pace (son of Peace)" in Old English/Latin .
Is Payson a boy or girl name? Payson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #2,637 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,931. Payson is more commonly used as a boy name.
Payson is currently ranked #2,637 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Payson has 2 syllables and is pronounced p-AYZ-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Payson include Pay and Paz. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis