Dawn is a unisex given name of English origin that means "daybreak" or the beginning of daylight. It comes from the Old English word "dæg," which means day, and the suffix "-en," indicating time or period.
The name Dawn gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, reaching its peak in the 1960s and 1970s when it was commonly given to baby girls. However, it has been used as a boy's name as well, particularly among celebrities such as Dawn Wells, who played Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island, and Dawn Robinson from the musical group En Vogue.
Historically, the name Dawn is not found in mythology or historical records, unlike many other names with English origins. It is considered a modern creation that reflects the changing landscape of naming conventions in recent decades. Despite its lack of historical precedent, Dawn has become an established name in its own right and continues to be chosen by parents today.
In terms of usage, Dawn is most commonly found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom. It is also used in other parts of the world where English is widely spoken or has cultural influence.
Overall, Dawn is a unique and meaningful name with a clear and straightforward origin story. Its association with daybreak makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that conveys positivity, renewal, and new beginnings.
The name Dawn has had an interesting journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1888 and 1964, its usage was quite low, with fewer than 50 births per year on average.
However, starting from 1964, there was a significant increase in the number of babies named Dawn. The highest peak was reached in 1970 with 15,680 births, marking the name's peak popularity during this period.
From 1972 onwards, the usage of the name began to decline steadily. By 1983, there were fewer than 3,000 births per year, and by 1994, it was below 500. The trend continued with a consistent decrease in popularity, reaching its lowest point in recent years with only 77 births in 2023.
Overall, from 1888 to 2023, there have been a total of 289,442 babies named Dawn born in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity over time, Dawn remains a unique and distinctive name with a rich history.