Dawson

Origin and Meaning: Dawson is a common surname of English origin which is derived from the medieval personal name "Daw", a diminutive of "David". The name "David" itself has Hebrew origins, meaning "beloved".

History: The Dawson surname has been recorded in England since medieval times. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of England, particularly Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name spread across the country over time, becoming one of the most widespread surnames in Britain.

Famous Bearers:

  • William Dawson: An English poet and playwright known for his works in the 19th century.
  • Rosario Dawson: A well-known American actress with British ancestry.
  • Major John Dawson: A British military officer who served during World War II.

Variants: Variants of the Dawson surname include Daweson, Dawes, and Daws.

Coat of Arms: The Dawson coat of arms features a shield with distinctive symbols that may vary depending on the specific lineage. The heraldic elements typically represent attributes such as strength, loyalty, and courage.

Modern Day: Today, the Dawson surname is still prevalent in the United Kingdom as well as other English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia. Many individuals bearing the Dawson surname have excelled in various fields such as business, academia, and the arts. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a link to its historical roots in England.

There are approximately 48,906 people named Dawson in the UK. That makes it the 143rd most common surname in Britain. Around 751 in a million people in Britain are named Dawson.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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