Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Dawson

Dawson is the transferred use of an English patronymic surname, from the medieval nickname for David, Daw – so Dawson essentially means ‘son of David’. The name David comes from a Hebrew word “dawid” thought to mean “beloved.” In the Bible, David was one of the greatest Kings of Israel and therefore an important figure to both Jews and Christians (for more information on David, see David). In England, the name David achieved further fame as a result of St. David, the patron saint of Wales, and two kings of Scotland named David (during the 12th and 14th centuries). The first recorded spelling of the surname was written Daweson in the 14th century.

All About the Baby Name – Dawson

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME DAWSON

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME DAWSON

The name Dawson appeared briefly on the American male naming charts around the turn of the 20th century (late 1800s/early 1900s). But by 1912, the name would disappear from radar for the next 80+ years before reemerging in 1994. Then something interesting happens. The WB network introduced a popular new teenage television drama called “Dawson’s Creek” in January 1998. Guess what? The name Dawson jumped a whopping 559 positions on the male naming charts in that year alone! The year 1999 marked the height of Dawson’s popularity on the charts (at #136), but it’s seen a slow decline from usage in the past 10 years. Nonetheless, even as “Dawson’s Creek” fades from our memories, the name Dawson is still at a respectable position on the charts. American parents love surnames as first names, so Dawson is another example that fits the bill. Only this one is less overused when compared to surnames like Mason or Logan, so it feels more interesting and original. It’s also a great name if Dad’s name is David!

Quick Facts

ON DAWSON

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

320

PRONUNCIATION:

DAW-sәn

SIMPLE MEANING:

Son of David, Beloved

Characteristics

OF DAWSON

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Dawson

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME DAWSON

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Dawson

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME DAWSON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Dawson


Popular Songs

ON DAWSON

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Dawson


Famous People

NAMED DAWSON

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Dawson.

Children of Famous People

NAMED DAWSON

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Dawson

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME DAWSON

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Dawson