Declining since 2021, #1,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Watson since 1880
Babies named Watson per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 105 |
| 1890s | 126 |
| 1900s | 123 |
| 1910s | 543 |
| 1920s | 537 |
| 1930s | 375 |
| 1940s | 334 |
| 1950s | 250 |
| 1960s | 154 |
| 1970s | 105 |
| 1980s | 129 |
| 1990s | 155 |
| 2000s | 219 |
| 2010s | 1,459 |
| 2020s | 2,085 |
Meaning & origin
Watson entered the U.S. naming data in 1880, the first year records were kept, and has seen a notable rise in recent decades. After reaching its peak rank of 1008th in 2021, its popularity has been declining since. In 2025, it was given to roughly 1 in 7,625 boys. The name is most popular in Iowa, Wisconsin, and Alabama, suggesting a strong Midwest and Southern appeal. Watson blends a classic surname feel with a friendly, two-syllable sound, making it a distinctive choice that remains grounded in English heritage.
Watson is a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Wat,' where Wat was a common medieval nickname for Walter. The name Walter itself derives from the Old German elements 'wald' (rule) and 'heri' (army). As a given name, Watson gained visibility through the fame of Dr. John H. Watson, Sherlock Holmes's companion, and has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century.
Where Watson 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.
Sibling names for Watson
Names that share Watson's style, for a brother or sister.
