Origin & Meaning of the Dawson Surname
What does the last name Dawson mean?
The surname Dawson carries the meaning "Son of Daw." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 83,182 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Dawson ranks as the #380 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Dawson come from?
The Dawson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Dawson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Dawson trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Dawson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Daw |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #380 |
| US Count (2010) | 83,182 |
| Per 100K People | 28.2 |
| First Letter | D |
Ethnic Distribution of Dawson
According to the US Census, the Dawson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 83,182 Americans with the Dawson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.3% |
| Black | 25.88% |
| Hispanic | 2.33% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.64% |
| Native American | 0.57% |
| Two or More Races | 2.29% |
Popularity of Dawson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Dawson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Dawson surname increased by 2,992 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Dawson Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Dawson ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Dawson Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Dawson Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Dawson
- ✓ The Dawson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Dawson families live today
- ✓ Notable Dawson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Dawson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Dawson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Dawson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dawson
Top Surnames Starting with D
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter D, ranked by population.
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