Paxson

Meaning & origin

Paxson is a modern English given name derived from a surname, following the trend of using patronymic family names as first names. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1993, and its popularity peaked in 2012. Since 2015, its usage has been falling, yet it remains a distinctive choice. As of the most recent data from 2025, Paxson ranked 7,679th, with an incidence of about 1 in 170,808 births. The name has not been concentrated in any particular state, indicating a broad but sparse distribution. Its phonetic similarity to the more common 'Jackson' may contribute to its occasional use. Paxson offers the succinct nickname 'Pax,' a word meaning peace, adding a layer of positive connotation. While never breaking into the top 1,000, Paxson has established a small, enduring presence among parents seeking a surname name with a soft consonant ending.

Paxson is an English surname derived from the Middle English personal name Pax, a pet form of the name Peace (from the Old French paix 'peace'), combined with the patronymic suffix -son. The name first appeared in historical records as a surname. Its use as a given name is modern, emerging in the late 20th century along with other surname-style names. The name was first recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1993.