Dixon is a unique and interesting given name of English origin. It is derived from the English surname Dixon, which is itself an occupational surname meaning "dye maker" or "dyer". The name comes from the Middle English word "dis", meaning to dye or stain, combined with the suffix "-son", indicating "son of".
The earliest known record of the surname Dixon was found in the 1379 Yorkshire Poll Tax records, where a John Dixson is listed. However, it is believed that the name likely predates this record and may have been brought to England by early Norman settlers.
The use of Dixon as a given name began in the late 19th century and has since become more popular. It is often chosen for its unique sound and spelling, as well as its historical roots. Today, Dixon is still considered an unusual but appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
In terms of popularity, Dixon has never been particularly common in the United States or other English-speaking countries. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Dixon peaked in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, reaching its highest rank of #523 in 1979. Since then, its usage has declined, and it is now considered quite rare.
Overall, Dixon is an interesting and unique given name with a rich history dating back to medieval England. Its occupational origins give it a practical and meaningful foundation, while its distinctive sound makes it stand out from other names. Whether you're looking for a rare but significant name or simply appreciate its unique qualities, Dixon is certainly worth considering.
The name Dixon has a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. In the early years recorded, between 1881 and 1929, the number of births with the name Dixon fluctuated but remained relatively low, ranging from 6 to 29 births per year.
Interestingly, during the period from 1930 to 1945, there was a notable increase in popularity for the name Dixon. The highest point during this time was in 1942 with 32 births, which is the third-highest number of births recorded for the name Dixon in the United States.
However, after World War II, the popularity of the name Dixon began to decline and continued to do so until the late 1980s. The lowest point was reached in 1982 with only 9 births, marking a significant decrease from previous decades.
Starting in the early 1990s, there was another increase in the popularity of the name Dixon. This trend continued into the new millennium, with the highest recorded number of births for the name Dixon being 75 in both 2014 and 2016. The most recent data available shows that in 2023, there were 43 births with the name Dixon.
In total, over the course of 142 years from 1881 to 2023, there have been a total of 2991 births with the name Dixon in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has varied over time, it has consistently remained present in American culture and history.