Anson is a name of English origin, derived from the Old French word "Anselm," which itself comes from the Germanic name "Adalhelm." The name "Adalhelm" is composed of two elements: "adal," meaning "noble," and "helm," meaning "helmet" or "protection."
The name Anson has a long history, with its earliest known usage dating back to medieval England. It was brought to the country by the Normans during the 11th century when they conquered Britain. Over time, the name evolved from Anselm to Anson through various iterations such as Ansell and Asnell.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Anson. One of the most famous is Thomas Anson (1795-1883), a British naval officer who commanded the ship HMS Euryalus during the Crimean War. Another notable figure is Sir William Anson (1843-1914), a British lawyer and politician who served as the Attorney General for England and Wales from 1902 to 1905.
Today, Anson remains a relatively uncommon name, but it has gained some popularity in recent years due to its unique sound and historical significance. Parents who choose this name for their child may do so because they appreciate its distinctive character or wish to honor family history. Regardless of the reason behind its selection, the name Anson carries a rich heritage and an interesting story that spans centuries and continents.
The name Anson experienced a significant increase in popularity from the late 1960s to the early 2010s, with a notable peak between 2013 and 2015, during which it was given to over 280 babies each year. However, there has been a decline in its usage since then, with fewer than 150 births recorded annually in recent years (2021-2023). Over the entire period of these statistics, from 1880 to 2023, there have been a total of 7703 births named Anson.