"son of David"
Origin: English
Language: English
Dawson
Pronunciation: [ d-AWS-uhn ]
Does Dawson flow with your last name?
A bold surname name with timeless roots
American
English
Australian
Modern
Strong
Bold
Unique
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Dawson
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"beloved one's descendant"
Origin: Hebrew via English
Language: English
Browse names with similar meanings:
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The Story of Dawson
Dawson originated as an English patronymic surname meaning son of Daw, where Daw was a medieval nickname for David. The name David itself comes from the Hebrew Dawid, meaning beloved. Dawson transitioned from a surname to a given name in the 20th century, part of a broader trend of adopting surnames as first names.
Dawson gained attention as a given name in the 1990s, partly influenced by the TV show Dawson's Creek. While traditionally a boys name, it has increasingly been used for girls as parents seek gender-neutral surname names.
Dawson reflects the American tradition of giving children surname-style first names, particularly those with a strong, outdoorsy feel. The name has a frontier quality that appeals to parents seeking something that feels both classic and contemporary.
Historical Record
Dawson first appeared in US Social Security records in 1998.
Over 1,316 babies have been named Dawson in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Dawson is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,129 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Dawson was originally a medieval nickname for David
- Dawson City in Canada's Yukon was named after geologist George Mercer Dawson
- The name crossed from boys to girls during the 1990s unisex naming trend
Dawson in Other Languages
French
Dawson
Spanish
Dawson
Portuguese
Dawson
Popularity Over Time
#2,129
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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Compare Dawson with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,129
- Total SSA Count
- 90
- Cultural Origins
- American English Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Daw
Dawsi
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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Dawson
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Dawson is also used as a boy name, ranked #139.
View Dawson as a boy name →Similar Names
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Hebrew origin
"my God is an oath"
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Avalyn
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Welsh origin
"lake, waterfall"
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Scottlyn
Girl
American/English origin
"from Scotland, feminine form"
#1,994 in US
Kailee
Girl
Irish Gaelic origin
"gentle, beautiful, precious"
#1,935 in US
Maryn
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Latin marinus origin
"Of the sea, sea maiden"
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Hebrew origin
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Sanskrit origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What does the name Dawson mean?
"son of David" (from English). "beloved one's descendant" (from Hebrew via English). Dawson originated as an English patronymic surname meaning son of Daw, where Daw was a medieval nickname for David. The name David itself comes from the Hebrew Dawid, meaning beloved. Dawson transitioned from a surname to a given name in the 20th century, part of a broader trend of adopting surnames as first names.
What is the origin of the name Dawson?
Dawson has English, Hebrew via English, American, and Australian origins. In English, it means "son of David". In Hebrew via English, it means "beloved one's descendant".
Is Dawson a boy or girl name?
Dawson is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2129. As a boy name, it is ranked #139. Dawson is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Dawson?
Dawson is pronounced d-AWS-uhn.
How popular is the name Dawson?
Dawson is currently ranked #2129 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dawson?
Common nicknames for Dawson include Daw and Dawsi.
What are good middle names for Dawson?
Popular middle name pairings include Dawson Mae, Dawson Rose, Dawson Grace, Dawson Lee, Dawson Claire, and Dawson Jean.
What are good sibling names for Dawson?
Names that pair well with Dawson as siblings include Mason, Carson, Harper, Quinn, Avery, and Sawyer.
How many syllables does Dawson have?
Dawson has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Dawson a common or rare name?
Dawson is an uncommon name, ranked #2129 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Dawson?
Are there other spellings for Dawson?
Related spellings include Dawsyn.
About the Name Dawson
Dawson is a girl name with American, English, and Australian origins . The name means "son of David" in English .
Is Dawson a boy or girl name? Dawson is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,129 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #139. Dawson is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dawson is currently ranked #2,129 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Dawson has 2 syllables and is pronounced d-AWS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Dawson include Daw and Dawsi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Dawson include Dawsyn . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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