Declining since 2016, #1,728 for boys today.
Popularity of Anson since 1880
Babies named Anson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 76 |
| 1890s | 44 |
| 1900s | 25 |
| 1910s | 214 |
| 1920s | 263 |
| 1930s | 149 |
| 1940s | 215 |
| 1950s | 237 |
| 1960s | 332 |
| 1970s | 635 |
| 1980s | 728 |
| 1990s | 557 |
| 2000s | 1,290 |
| 2010s | 2,291 |
| 2020s | 876 |
Meaning & origin
Anson is an English patronymic name meaning 'son of Ann.' It has been in use as a given name since at least 1880, the earliest year of Social Security data, when it appeared with a rank of 1728. The name reached its peak popularity in 2017, with a rank of 664, but has been declining since 2016. By 2025, it is used for roughly 1 in 18,171 boys, making it a relatively uncommon choice. The name is most frequently given in Pennsylvania, Texas, and California. Anson carries a straightforward, surname-as-first-name style that appeals to parents seeking a traditional yet less common option. Its historical association with Admiral George Anson adds a touch of British naval heritage, though the name remains understated and modern in feel.
Anson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Ann' or 'son of Andrew.' It originated as a medieval given name, later becoming a surname, and gained use as a first name in the 19th century. The name is most famously associated with Admiral George Anson, a British naval officer who circumnavigated the globe in the 1740s.
Where Anson is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Annie, Ans
Variants: Ansom, Ansen
Sibling names for Anson
Names that share Anson's style, for a brother or sister.
