Rising since 1985, #143 for boys today.
Popularity of Dawson since 1885
Babies named Dawson per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1999, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Dawson's real moment was 2024.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 26 |
| 1890s | 19 |
| 1900s | 38 |
| 1910s | 220 |
| 1920s | 304 |
| 1930s | 231 |
| 1940s | 264 |
| 1950s | 233 |
| 1960s | 159 |
| 1970s | 211 |
| 1980s | 354 |
| 1990s | 5,750 |
| 2000s | 16,868 |
| 2010s | 14,803 |
| 2020s | 13,322 |
Meaning & origin
Dawson is a surname-turned-first-name that has seen a steady rise in popularity since the mid-1980s, climbing to rank 143 in 2025. The name first appeared on U.S. records in 1885, but its modern ascent began around 1985, likely fueled by the TV character Dawson Leery from 'Dawson's Creek.' It peaked in popularity just last year (2024), suggesting continued momentum. Today, about 1 in 687 boys receives the name, and it is especially popular in states like Alaska, West Virginia, and Idaho. Dawson remains firmly a masculine name, with its meaning 'son of David' connecting it to a long-standing biblical tradition.
Dawson originated as an English surname meaning 'son of Daw,' a medieval nickname for David. The surname is recorded from the 14th century, and its use as a given name became common in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the character Dawson Leery on the 1990s television series 'Dawson's Creek.'
Where Dawson 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.
“Dawson” around the world
Where Dawson lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
15
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
Quebec
11
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Daw
Sibling names for Dawson
Names that share Dawson's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Piper, Peyton, Harper, Quinn, Sawyer, Monroe, Baleigh, Lakyn, Layken, Kaidance, Brayley, Kinslie, Bexlie, Brynnlie, Caylor, Chezney, Holliday, Leddy, Ravynn, Tacori
Brothers: Cole, Chase, Jake, Grayson, Bennett, Baylor, Benton, Brecken, Bridger, Briggs, Cade, Gentry, Kobe, Boden, Cashton, Brekken, Buckley, Callaway, Clayson, Karsin, Rayson, Redding, Tannon, Braxen, Deidrick, Garhett, Kortland, Laithan, Mclane, Tresten, Weiland
Names like Dawson
Names whose popularity has moved with Dawson's over the last 50 years.
