Anderson is a moderately popular boys' name in United States, ranking #306 in 2015 with 1,186 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2012 with 1,249 births ranking #280. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 566.3%. In 2015, approximately 1 in every 1,616 boys born was named Anderson. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
Anderson began as a surname meaning "son of Andrew" and now also works as a given name. It has a polished surname-style feel while still carrying a clear family-name meaning.
Like many modern first names, Anderson moved from surname use into the given-name column. Its rise fits the broader trend for tailored, surname-style boys' names.