Addison is a unisex given name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the surname Addison, which was originally an occupational name for a cloth maker or fuller, someone who cleaned and thickened wool. The name is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "adden," meaning "to full" or "to thicken."
The name Addison first appeared as a surname in medieval England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It was traditionally given to people whose occupation involved working with textiles. However, over time, Addison has evolved from an occupational surname to a given name.
In literature, one of the most notable figures associated with the name Addison is Joseph Addison, the English essayist and poet who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is best known for his work on "The Spectator," a daily publication that he co-founded in 1711. This association may have contributed to the name's popularity as a given name.
Today, Addison is often used as a girl's name, but it can also be used as a boy's name. It has gained significant popularity in recent years, with its peak popularity occurring in the United States in 2013 when it was among the top 50 names for girls and boys combined. The name Addison has been popular not only in English-speaking countries but also around the world.
In summary, Addison is a unisex given name of English origin that comes from an occupational surname meaning "cloth maker" or "fuller." It has evolved over time from being used as an occupational surname to becoming a popular given name. Its popularity may have been influenced by association with notable figures such as Joseph Addison, and it continues to be widely used today in many countries around the world.
Here are some interesting statistics about the given name Addison over an eight-year span in the United States:
From 2006 to 2014, there were a total of 91 babies named Addison born annually in the U.S., with the number fluctuating from year to year. The peak years for baby girls named Addison were 2008 and 2009, with 11 births each year. However, the popularity of this name decreased somewhat thereafter: there were 11 births in both 2010 and 2011, then dipped to 5 births in 2012, and continued to decline with 6 births in 2013 and 8 births in 2014. Despite the decrease in recent years, Addison remains a popular choice for parents naming their baby girls during this period.