Lawson is a strong and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the surname Lawson, which has an occupational background. The name Lawson originally referred to a person who worked as a law enforcer or a bailiff, someone responsible for collecting debts and enforcing legal decisions.
The surname Lawson can be traced back to the Middle Ages in England, where it was first recorded in the early 13th century. It is believed to have originated from the Old English word "hlaw", which means "mound" or "hill", combined with the suffix "-son", meaning "son of". Therefore, Lawson could literally mean "son of someone who lives on a hill".
The use of Lawson as a given name is more recent. It started to gain popularity in the late 19th century and early 20th century, particularly in the United States. Today, it is considered a unisex name, although it is still more commonly used for males.
In literature and popular culture, Lawson has been used as a character name in various works, including the novel "The Killer Inside Me" by Jim Thompson and the television series "Law & Order". These appearances may have contributed to its popularity as a given name.
Overall, Lawson is a robust and unique name with an interesting history rooted in medieval English society. Its occupational origins provide it with a practical and earthy character, while its unisex nature allows for versatility in naming choices.
"Lawson births experienced significant growth over time, with a notable increase starting around the late 1990s. From 1964 to 1996, there were fewer than 50 Lawson births per year on average. However, from 1997 onwards, this number began to rise substantially, reaching peaks of over 800 births in recent years (2018-2021). The total number of Lawson births from 1880 to 2023 is 16,916."