Dawson is a distinctive boys' name in England & Wales, ranking #511 in 2018 with 76 recorded births. This places Dawson in the top 8% of ranked UK boys' names for the year. Its actual usage is classified as Uncommon. The name reached its all-time peak in 2015 with 86 births ranking #470. In 2018, approximately 1 in every 4,113 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.