Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Addison has its roots in Old English, originally meaning 'son of Adam,' and has evolved from the surname Addyson. Over time, it has transformed into a popular given name, conveying a modern image and often associated with positive traits. Although it lacks biblical relevance, its historical usage reflects a significant rise in popularity from the 19th century to the present.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈædɪsən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Addison is derived from the Old English surname 'Addyson,' which means 'son of Addy.' The name Addy itself is a diminutive of Adam, meaning 'man' or 'earth.'
Meaning
son of Adam
Language Evolution
Addyson, Addison
Historical Usage
Addison gained popularity as a given name in the 19th century, especially in English-speaking countries, and has become more common in recent decades.
Variants & Derivatives
Addy, Addi
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Addison is perceived as a trendy and contemporary name, often associated with femininity, although it is used for both genders.
Famous People
Joseph Addison (1672–1719), an English essayist and politician, Addison Rae (born 2000), an American social media personality and actress
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 12,290 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (3 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 3 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 802nd of 7545 | 1,115 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1050th of 6773 | 723 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1378th of 7552 | 601 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1720th of 10718 | 432 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 679th of 16616 | 3,363 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 643rd of 24088 | 5,499 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1562nd of 23106 | 1,313 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 18004th of 19264 | 6 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1420th of 27321 | 1,677 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 50th of 35406 | 81,219 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 38th of 30306 | 62,980 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
60.24% 853rd/1416 |
44.09% 608th/1379 |
49.37% 1168th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
67.27% 1040th/1546 |
58.16% 905th/1556 |
63.07% 1484th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
53.21% 1293rd/2430 |
77.71% 2217th/2853 |
54.52% 1513th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
60.98% 1791st/2937 |
63.82% 2223rd/3483 |
52.27% 1839th/3518 |
50.91% 2059th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
16.91% 623rd/3685 |
18.32% 820th/4475 |
12.59% 654th/5194 |
10.26% 648th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
13.33% 611th/4582 |
14.29% 738th/5164 |
8.11% 593rd/7313 |
9.61% 717th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
36.60% 1458th/3984 |
36.97% 1659th/4487 |
25.15% 1716th/6822 |
25.88% 1624th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
29.17% 1075th/3685 |
54.21% 2426th/4475 |
21.14% 1098th/5194 |
27.04% 1708th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
0.70% 32nd/4582 |
1.88% 97th/5164 |
0.59% 43rd/7313 |
1.37% 102nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
0.60% 24th/3984 |
1.09% 49th/4487 |
0.37% 25th/6822 |
1.08% 68th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, falling for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 802nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1050th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1378th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1720th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 679th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 643rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1562nd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 18004th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1420th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 50th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 38th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.