Dawson is a distinctive girls' name in United States, ranking #2260 in 2025 with 81 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2023 with 100 births ranking #1965. In 2025, approximately 1 in every 19,843 girls born was named Dawson. FALLING Recent data shows the name is currently falling.
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.