Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Dawson
BoyEnglish· “son of Daw (David)”
- Meaning
- son of Daw (David)
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- DAW-suhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #143
- US babies 2025
- 2,487
- Best rank
- #136 (1999)
- Peak year
- 1999
Meaning and origin of Dawson
Dawson is an English name that means “son of Daw (David)”.
Dawson is an English surname meaning son of Daw, a medieval pet form of David. David itself is Hebrew and is usually translated as beloved. Like many surnames ending in -son, it has become a given name in modern times, and the television drama Dawson's Creek gave it a boost at the turn of the century. It has an easygoing, slightly rugged feel that fits naturally with names like Carson and Grayson. Daw or Dawes could serve as nicknames, though most families use the full name. It is simple to spell and pronounce, which adds to its appeal.
Popularity over time
Dawson first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 41 different years, starting in 1885. Its best national rank was #136 in 1999, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,802 babies. In 2025, 2,487 babies were named Dawson, and it ranked #143 nationally. That is 56% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,258 in 1920, #1,372 in 1950, #1,915 in 1980, #168 in 2000, #289 in 2010, and #143 in 2025. Of the 52,802 US boys named Dawson since records began, 32% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 14,803 babies. Since 2010, 28,125 more have been named Dawson.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Clayton, Ricardo, Jalen, Trey, and Pedro.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Dawson ranked highest in West Virginia, Alaska, and Idaho.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #34 | 37 |
| Alaska | #46 | 14 |
| Idaho | #47 | 40 |
| Kentucky | #62 | 71 |
| Iowa | #66 | 48 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 97% of US babies named Dawson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Dawson is usually pronounced DAW-suhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with D and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Dawson
A few middle names that flow with Dawson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Dawson
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Lists that include Dawson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Dawson mean?
Dawson is an English name that means “son of Daw (David)”.
What is the origin of the name Dawson?
Dawson has English roots. Dawson is an English surname meaning son of Daw, a medieval pet form of David.
Is Dawson a popular name?
Yes. Dawson ranked #143 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Dawson a boy or girl name?
Dawson is mainly a boy's name. About 97% of US babies named Dawson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Dawson?
Dawson is usually pronounced DAW-suhn. 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