Declining since 2013, #1,677 for boys today.
Popularity of Gibson since 1882
Babies named Gibson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 13 |
| 1890s | 14 |
| 1900s | 23 |
| 1910s | 124 |
| 1920s | 155 |
| 1930s | 105 |
| 1940s | 113 |
| 1950s | 118 |
| 1960s | 107 |
| 1970s | 66 |
| 1980s | 97 |
| 1990s | 373 |
| 2000s | 1,126 |
| 2010s | 2,261 |
| 2020s | 715 |
Meaning & origin
Gibson is an English patronymic surname turned given name, reflecting a broader trend of using family names as first names. While it has never broken into the top 500, it has maintained a steady presence, peaking in 2013 and gradually declining since. In 2025, it ranked 1,677th, with 1 in 17,429 boys named Gibson. The name is notably concentrated in southern states such as Louisiana, Michigan, and Alabama, where surname-naming traditions are particularly strong. Its strong, two-syllable sound and connection to the familiar Gilbert lineage give it a grounded, traditional feel without being overly common.
Gibson is an English patronymic surname derived from the medieval given name Gibb, a common short form of Gilbert. The name Gilbert itself comes from Old Germanic elements meaning 'bright pledge' or 'hostage,' but in the case of Gibson, the direct meaning is simply 'son of Gibb.' Although surnames used as first names have been a longstanding Anglo-American tradition, Gibson began appearing as a given name in the late 19th century and has seen consistent but modest use, especially in the southern United States.
Where Gibson 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: Gib, Gibby, Sonny
Sibling names for Gibson
Names that share Gibson's style, for a brother or sister.
