Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Carson is a Scottish name meaning 'son of the marsh dweller.' It has evolved from the Gaelic 'Cearsan' to its current form. The name gained popularity in the 19th century and is now perceived as modern and strong. There are notable figures such as Carson Daly and Carson Wentz associated with the name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɑːrsən/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
The name Carson is derived from a Scottish surname that originated from a place name. It is believed to come from the Gaelic 'Cearsan,' which means 'son of the marsh dweller.'
Meaning
son of the marsh dweller
Language Evolution
Cearsan, Carson
Historical Usage
The name Carson gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in Scotland and later in the United States as a given name.
Variants & Derivatives
Carsen, Karsen
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Carson is viewed as a modern and trendy name, often associated with strength and resilience.
Famous People
Carson Daly, Carson Wentz, Carson Kressley
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,466 peak births in 2018
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 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 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 4 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 | 600th of 7545 | 1,756 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 629th of 6773 | 1,713 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 688th of 7552 | 2,181 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 779th of 10718 | 1,747 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 439th of 16616 | 7,283 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 102nd of 24088 | 64,118 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 90th of 23106 | 50,865 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5999th of 12526 | 76 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 5573rd of 19264 | 144 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1558th of 27321 | 1,464 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 959th of 35406 | 4,072 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1310th of 30306 | 2,160 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
47.81% 677th/1416 |
44.96% 620th/1379 |
20.08% 475th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
49.74% 769th/1546 |
42.29% 658th/1556 |
21.97% 517th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
33.81% 753rd/2227 |
31.07% 755th/2430 |
21.49% 613th/2853 |
30.85% 856th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
29.42% 864th/2937 |
38.56% 1343rd/3483 |
22.43% 789th/3518 |
17.98% 727th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
11.80% 435th/3685 |
16.20% 725th/4475 |
7.80% 405th/5194 |
5.92% 374th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
1.57% 72nd/4582 |
3.51% 181st/5164 |
1.27% 93rd/7313 |
1.74% 130th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
1.63% 65th/3984 |
2.34% 105th/4487 |
1.19% 81st/6822 |
2.01% 126th/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) |
- | - |
100.00% 3518th/3518 |
- |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
41.82% 1541st/3685 |
54.75% 2450th/4475 |
20.41% 1060th/5194 |
37.96% 2398th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
22.15% 1015th/4582 |
39.21% 2025th/5164 |
8.94% 654th/7313 |
24.60% 1836th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
37.42% 1491st/3984 |
39.54% 1774th/4487 |
15.27% 1042nd/6822 |
30.72% 1928th/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 Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been too rising for male in MidWest, too falling for female in MidWest, too rising for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too rising for male in South, falling for female in South, too falling for male in West, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 600th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 629th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 688th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 779th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 439th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 102nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 90th out of 23106 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5999th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5573rd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1558th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 959th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1310th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.