Anderson is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Ásgeirr or Áskell. These names are composed of elements that mean "god" and "spear" or "ash tree". Therefore, Anderson can be interpreted as meaning "son of Anders", where Anders is another form of these Old Norse names.
The name Anderson has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages in Scotland, where it was initially used as a patronymic surname. Over time, it evolved into a given name and gained popularity throughout Europe and North America.
Anderson is also associated with several notable figures throughout history, including:
* The Scottish poet Robert Burns, who wrote under the pseudonym "A. Anderson"
* The American statesman and Founding Father Thomas Anderson (1748-1832)
* The Canadian politician William Alexander Anderson (1865-1940), who served as the 11th Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick
Today, Anderson is a popular given name worldwide. It has consistently ranked among the top 1,000 names for boys in various countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and several European nations.
In terms of popularity, Anderson reached its peak in the early 20th century when it was one of the most common names for boys born in English-speaking countries. Although its popularity has since declined slightly, Anderson remains a widely recognized and well-liked name today.
Overall, Anderson is an attractive and historic name with a strong Scandinavian heritage that continues to be appreciated by parents and individuals alike around the world.
The name Anderson has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. Starting with just 5 births in 1946, the number of babies named Anderson grew steadily throughout the latter half of the 20th century.
In the 1980s and early 1990s, the name saw a consistent rise, with birth numbers ranging from 7 to 12 per year. However, it was in the late 1990s that Anderson began to gain significant traction, with births increasing to as many as 29 in 2004.
The early 2000s saw a period of fluctuation, with birth numbers ranging from 15 to 39 per year. But it was during the mid-to-late 2000s that Anderson's popularity truly exploded, reaching an all-time high of 114 births in 2023.
Over the course of these statistics (from 1946 to 2023), a total of 1356 babies were named Anderson in the United States. This steady growth and eventual boom in popularity reflect the enduring appeal of this name, which continues to be chosen by parents for their newborn sons.