Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Dawn
GirlEnglish, Old English· “daybreak”
- Meaning
- daybreak
- Origin
- English, Old English
- Pronunciation
- DAWN
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,174
- US babies 2025
- 85
- Best rank
- #14 (1971)
- Peak year
- 1970
Meaning and origin of Dawn
Dawn is an English and Old English name that means “daybreak”.
Dawn is simply the English word for daybreak, the first light of morning, from Old English roots related to day. As a given name it rose in the twentieth century alongside other word names that evoke light and nature. The meaning is clear and hopeful, suggesting new beginnings. In many languages the idea is expressed through names such as Aurora (Latin) or Eos (Greek), and Dawn works as a plain English counterpart. It is often used as a middle name as well. Today Dawn has a friendly, mid-century feel, and it can make a gentle vintage choice for parents who like short, meaningful names.
Other spellings with the same sound: Daun.
Popularity over time
Dawn first appears in US Social Security records in 1888. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 85 different years, starting in 1915. Its best national rank was #14 in 1971, and the most babies received it in 1970, when 15,681 were named Dawn. In 2025, 85 babies were named Dawn, and it ranked #2,174 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #787 in 1920, #191 in 1950, #67 in 1980, #910 in 2000, #2,138 in 2010, and #2,174 in 2025. Of the 289,641 US girls named Dawn since records began, 39% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 92,446 babies. Since 2010, 1,473 more have been named Dawn.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Stacy, Stacey, Dana, Angela, and Kimberly.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dawn ranked highest in Washington, Georgia, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | #1089 | 5 |
| Georgia | #1417 | 6 |
| Florida | #1741 | 7 |
| Texas | #1824 | 12 |
| California | #2324 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Dawn is usually pronounced DAWN, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with D and ends in “-wn”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Daun.
Middle names for Dawn
A few middle names that flow with Dawn: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dawn
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Lists that include Dawn
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dawn mean?
Dawn is an English and Old English name that means “daybreak”.
What is the origin of the name Dawn?
Dawn has English and Old English roots. Dawn is simply the English word for daybreak, the first light of morning, from Old English roots related to day.
Is Dawn a popular name?
Not especially. Dawn ranked #2,174 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Dawn a boy or girl name?
Dawn is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Dawn?
Dawn is usually pronounced DAWN. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings