Anson

Pronunciation: [ ANS-uhn ]

Boy Name #1,396 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

Quietly distinguished with a naval heritage

English American Chinese-American

Classic Strong Sophisticated Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"son of Anne, son of Agnes"

Origin: English patronymic

Language: English

"son of Hans/John"

Origin: German/Dutch via English

Language: English

The Story of Anson

Anson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Anne' or 'son of Agnes,' though some scholars trace it to 'son of Hans' (a German/Dutch form of John). It originated as a medieval English surname and has been used as a given name since the 18th century. Admiral George Anson's famous circumnavigation of the globe (1740-1744) and subsequent naval reforms brought the name considerable prestige in British culture.

Anson has seen a quiet revival in the 2010s-2020s as parents seek surname-style names that feel established and distinguished. Actor Anson Mount (TV series Hell on Wheels, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds) has kept the name in contemporary pop culture consciousness.

Admiral George Anson (1697-1762) was one of Britain's greatest naval commanders, whose circumnavigation voyage became legendary and whose reforms created the professional Royal Navy. The name also has significant usage in Chinese-American communities as a common English-language name choice.

Fun Facts

Admiral George Anson's 1740-1744 circumnavigation of the globe resulted in only 500 of his original 2,000 crew members surviving — but his subsequent reforms transformed the British Royal Navy
Anson is a relatively common English name in Hong Kong and among Chinese-American families, bridging Eastern and Western naming traditions

Anson in Other Languages

French Anson

German Anson

Chinese 安森

Spanish Anson

Japanese アンソン

Famous People Named Anson

Anson Mount

Actor

1973

American actor known for Hell on Wheels and his acclaimed portrayal of Captain Pike in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds

Anson Williams

Actor

1949

American actor who played Warren 'Potsie' Weber on the classic TV series Happy Days

George Anson

Military

1697

British admiral who circumnavigated the globe (1740-1744) and transformed the Royal Navy through sweeping reforms

Quick Facts

Gender: Boy
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #1,396
Total SSA Count: 134
Cultural Origins: English American Chinese-American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Ans

Pairs Well With

Anson James Anson William Anson Lee Anson Thomas Anson Gray Anson Reid Anson Blake

Sibling Names

Harrison Mason Anderson Lennon Avery Sloane Hadley Emerson

Also a Girl Name

Anson is also used as a girl name, ranked #48145.

View Anson as a girl name →

Similar Names

James Jesse Nathan Jackson Judson Major Mason Jason

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Frequently Asked Questions About Anson

What does the name Anson mean?

"son of Anne, son of Agnes" (from English patronymic). "son of Hans/John" (from German/Dutch via English). Anson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Anne' or 'son of Agnes,' though some scholars trace it to 'son of Hans' (a German/Dutch form of John). It originated as a medieval English surname and has been used as a given name since the 18th century. Admiral George Anson's famous circumnavigation of the globe (1740-1744) and subsequent naval reforms brought the name considerable prestige in British culture.

What is the origin of the name Anson?

Anson has English patronymic, German/Dutch via English, English, American, and Chinese-American origins. In English patronymic, it means "son of Anne, son of Agnes". In German/Dutch via English, it means "son of Hans/John".

Is Anson a boy or girl name?

Anson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1396. As a girl name, it is ranked #48145. Anson is more commonly used as a boy name.

How do you pronounce Anson?

Anson is pronounced ANS-uhn.

How popular is the name Anson?

Anson is currently ranked #1396 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Anson?

Common nicknames for Anson include Ans.

What are good middle names for Anson?

Popular middle name pairings include Anson James, Anson William, Anson Lee, Anson Thomas, Anson Gray, Anson Reid, and Anson Blake.

What are good sibling names for Anson?

Names that pair well with Anson as siblings include Harrison, Mason, Anderson, Lennon, Avery, Sloane, Hadley, and Emerson.

How many syllables does Anson have?

Anson has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Anson a common or rare name?

Anson is an uncommon name, ranked #1396 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Anson

Anson is a boy name with English, American, and Chinese-American origins . The name means "son of Anne, son of Agnes" in English patronymic .

Is Anson a boy or girl name? Anson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,396 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #48,145. Anson is more commonly used as a boy name.

Anson is currently ranked #1,396 in popularity for boy names in the United States.

The name Anson has 2 syllables and is pronounced ANS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Anson include Ans. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.