Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Karson
BoyScottish, American (modern coinage)· “from a Scottish surname of uncertain origin”
- Meaning
- from a Scottish surname of uncertain origin (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Scottish, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KAHR-suhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #453
- US babies 2025
- 690
- Best rank
- #265 (2018)
- Peak year
- 2018
Meaning and origin of Karson
Karson is often said to mean “from a Scottish surname of uncertain origin”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and American (modern coinage) roots.
Karson is a modern spelling of Carson, a Scottish surname whose origin is uncertain. It may come from a place name, possibly Carsphairn in Galloway, or from a family of Norman descent, but no explanation is confirmed. The frontiersman Kit Carson and the writer Rachel Carson made the surname well known in America. As a first name Karson has a friendly, modern sound and fits among surname names such as Jackson and Hudson. The K spelling gives it a slightly sharper look, and Kar or Sonny are possible nicknames.
Other spellings with the same sound: Carson.
Popularity over time
Karson first appears in US Social Security records in 1966. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 27 different years, starting in 1999. Its best national rank was #265 in 2018, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,345 babies. In 2025, 690 babies were named Karson, and it ranked #453 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,512 in 1980, #726 in 2000, #380 in 2010, and #453 in 2025. Of the 21,394 US boys named Karson since records began, 50% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 5,863 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Lane, Daxton, Maximiliano, Killian, and Prince.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Karson ranked highest in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Kentucky.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | #90 | 31 |
| Louisiana | #171 | 30 |
| Kentucky | #196 | 29 |
| Alabama | #204 | 28 |
| South Carolina | #236 | 24 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 94% of US babies named Karson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Karson is usually pronounced KAHR-suhn, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-on”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Carson.
Middle names for Karson
A few middle names that flow with Karson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Karson
Similar names
Jaxon Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#115
Jaxson Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#156
Jameson Boy
JAYM-suhn
“son of James” · English
#137
Kameron Boy
KAM-er-un
“crooked nose” · Scottish
#466
Braylon Boy
BRAY-luhn
“modern coinage built on Bray” · American (modern coinage)
#848
Kayson Boy
KAY-suhn
“modern blend of Kay and -son” · American (modern coinage)
#264
Daxton Boy
DAKS-tuhn
“modern blend of Dax and -ton” · American (modern coinage)
#379
Jayceon Boy
JAY-see-ahn
“modern elaboration of Jason” · American (modern coinage)
#629
Kason Boy
KAY-suhn
“modern variant of Cason” · American (modern coinage)
#597
Lawson Boy
LAW-suhn
“son of Lawrence” · English
#381
Kyler Boy
KY-ler
“modern variant of Kyle” · American (modern coinage)
#404
Kamryn Unisex
KAM-rihn
“crooked nose; variant of Cameron” · Scottish
#556
Lists that include Karson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Karson mean?
Karson is often said to mean “from a Scottish surname of uncertain origin”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Scottish and American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Karson?
Karson has Scottish and modern American roots. Karson is a modern spelling of Carson, a Scottish surname whose origin is uncertain.
Is Karson a popular name?
Yes. Karson ranked #453 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Karson a boy or girl name?
Karson is mainly a boy's name. About 94% of US babies named Karson over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Karson?
Karson is usually pronounced KAHR-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