Dawson is a moderately popular boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #470 in 2016 with 86 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2015 with 86 births ranking #470. In 2016, approximately 1 in every 3,860 boys born was named Dawson. RISING Recent data shows the name is currently rising.
Dawson is an English surname-style name meaning "son of Daw", an older pet form of David. It feels current, polished, and well placed among other modern patronymic boys' names.
The name followed the now familiar route from surname to given name. Its modern appeal lies less in its connection to David than in its smooth surname rhythm.