"son of David"
Origin: English
Language: English
Dawson
Pronunciation: [ d-AWS-uhn ]
Boy Name
#139 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
David's son, made famous by a creek and a TV classic
English
American
Modern
Classic
Strong
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"beloved son"
Origin: Hebrew via English
Language: English
"son of David"
Origin: Medieval English patronymic
Language: English
"son of the beloved one"
Origin: English via Hebrew David
Language: English
Things to Know About This Name
- Dawson's Creek (1998-2003) — TV association, some may find it dated, though it's generally positive
The Story of Dawson
Dawson is an English patronymic surname meaning son of David, where Daw was a medieval nickname for David. David itself comes from the Hebrew 'Dawid' meaning beloved or friend. As a surname, Dawson emerged in northern England and Scotland in the medieval period. Its transition to a given name follows the broader pattern of English surnames being adopted as first names, particularly popular in the American South and Midwest.
Dawson entered the US name charts in the late 1990s, receiving a significant boost from the teen drama Dawson's Creek (1998-2003), which starred James Van Der Beek as the introspective Dawson Leery. The show gave the name a sensitive, intellectual, coming-of-age quality that resonated with a generation of parents.
In pop culture, Dawson's Creek defined late-1990s teen television and made Dawson a name associated with earnest romanticism and self-reflection. The show launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson.
Fun Facts
- Dawson's Creek (1998-2003) launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson
- Dawson is the county seat of Terrell County, Georgia, and the name appears in dozens of US place names
Dawson in Other Languages
French
Dawson
German
Dawson
Spanish
Dawson
Famous People Named Dawson
R
Rosario Dawson
Actor
1979
American actress known for Sin City, Rent, and her role as Ahsoka Tano in The Mandalorian
R
Richard Dawson
Entertainer
1932
British-American comedian and game show host
L
Les Dawson
Entertainer
1931
British comedian and television presenter, known for his deadpan humor and mother-in-law jokes
D
Dawson Creek (fictional)
Other
Fictional character from the TV show Dawsons Creek
D
Dawson Leery Fictional
Other
The sensitive, film-obsessed protagonist of the TV series Dawson's Creek (1998-2003), played by James Van Der Beek
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #139
- Total SSA Count
- 2,576
- Cultural Origins
- English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Daws
Daw
Pairs Well With
Dawson James
Dawson Cole
Dawson Lee
Dawson Blake
Dawson Reid
Dawson Thomas
Dawson Grant
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Dawson is also used as a girl name, ranked #2129.
View Dawson as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
What does the name Dawson mean?
"son of David" (from English). "beloved son" (from Hebrew via English). "son of David" (from Medieval English patronymic). "son of the beloved one" (from English via Hebrew David). Dawson is an English patronymic surname meaning son of David, where Daw was a medieval nickname for David. David itself comes from the Hebrew 'Dawid' meaning beloved or friend. As a surname, Dawson emerged in northern England and Scotland in the medieval period. Its transition to a given name follows the broader pattern of English surnames being adopted as first names, particularly popular in the American South and Midwest.
What is the origin of the name Dawson?
Dawson has English, Hebrew via English, Medieval English patronymic, English via Hebrew David, and American origins. In English, it means "son of David". In Hebrew via English, it means "beloved son". In Medieval English patronymic, it means "son of David". In English via Hebrew David, it means "son of the beloved one".
Is Dawson a boy or girl name?
Dawson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #139. As a girl name, it is ranked #2129. 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 #139 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Dawson?
Common nicknames for Dawson include Daws and Daw.
What are good middle names for Dawson?
Popular middle name pairings include Dawson James, Dawson Cole, Dawson Lee, Dawson Blake, Dawson Reid, Dawson Thomas, and Dawson Grant.
What are good sibling names for Dawson?
Names that pair well with Dawson as siblings include Hudson, Easton, Greyson, Harper, Presley, and Peyton.
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 a popular name, ranked #139 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Dawson
Dawson is a boy name with English and American origins . The name means "son of David" in English .
Is Dawson a boy or girl name? Dawson is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #139 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #2,129. Dawson is more commonly used as a boy name.
Dawson is currently ranked #139 in popularity for boy 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 Daws and Daw. 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.