Tyson
BoyEnglish, French· “firebrand; or son of Dye”
- Meaning
- firebrand; or son of Dye
- Origin
- English, French
- Pronunciation
- TY-suhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #531
- US babies 2025
- 565
- Best rank
- #237 (2009)
- Peak year
- 2009
Meaning and origin of Tyson
Tyson is an English and French name that is usually said to mean “firebrand; or son of Dye”.
Tyson began as an English surname with two possible sources. One traces it to the Old French tison, a firebrand, a nickname for a fiery or quarrelsome person. The other reads it as son of Dye, a medieval short form of the female name Dionysia. As a first name it has a crisp, energetic feel, helped by famous bearers of the surname such as the boxer Mike Tyson and the astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. It sits comfortably beside other surname names ending in -son, like Jackson and Carson, and Ty is the natural nickname.
Popularity over time
Tyson first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 60 different years, starting in 1966. Its best national rank was #237 in 2009, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,491 babies. In 2025, 565 babies were named Tyson, and it ranked #531 nationally. That is 50% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #2,750 in 1920, #1,940 in 1950, #244 in 1980, #335 in 2000, #238 in 2010, and #531 in 2025. Of the 48,395 US boys named Tyson since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 11,385 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Brennan, Caiden, Braylon, Aaden, and Jonas.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Tyson ranked highest in District of Columbia, Idaho, and Minnesota.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | #202 | 5 |
| Idaho | #278 | 10 |
| Minnesota | #313 | 20 |
| Iowa | #330 | 12 |
| Mississippi | #330 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Tyson is usually pronounced TY-suhn, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with T and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Tyson
A few middle names that flow with Tyson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Tyson
Similar names
Lists that include Tyson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tyson mean?
Tyson is an English and French name that is usually said to mean “firebrand; or son of Dye”.
What is the origin of the name Tyson?
Tyson has English and French roots. Tyson began as an English surname with two possible sources.
Is Tyson a popular name?
Yes. Tyson ranked #531 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Tyson a boy or girl name?
Tyson is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Tyson?
Tyson is usually pronounced TY-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