Boy · 311th of 23,106
Anderson
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
34,564
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2012
Peak Popularity Year
1,294
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Anderson stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Anderson originates from the Old English personal name 'Anders,' meaning 'manly' or 'brave' and signifies 'son of Anders.' It evolved through various forms over time, maintaining its association with strength. It gained prominence as a surname in Scotland and England, later becoming popular in the United States. The name is commonly perceived as strong and reliable, and it is associated with notable individuals.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈændərsən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Anderson is derived from the Old English personal name 'Anders,' which is a diminutive form of 'Andrew,' meaning 'manly' or 'brave.' The suffix '-son' indicates 'son of,' thus meaning 'son of Anders.'
Meaning
son of Anders
Language Evolution
Anders, Andreas, Andrew, Anderson
Historical Usage
Anderson gained popularity as a surname in Scotland and England during the Middle Ages and became common in the United States in the 19th century due to immigration.
Variants & Derivatives
Anders, Andrew, Andersson, Anderssen
Modern Popularity & Image
Anderson is a widely recognized and respected surname and given name, often associated with strength and reliability. It is popular in various English-speaking countries.
Famous People
Anderson Cooper, Lance Anderson, W. A. Anderson
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,294 peak births in 2012
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in Georgia
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
Compare 4 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 483rd of 7545 | 2,554 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 598th of 6773 | 1,810 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 741st of 7552 | 1,861 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 945th of 10718 | 1,168 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 905th of 16616 | 1,928 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 435th of 24088 | 9,734 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 311th of 23106 | 13,134 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 12526th of 12526 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 11321st of 27321 | 76 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4975th of 35406 | 418 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2277th of 30306 | 975 |