HomeBaby Names DirectoryLawson

Lawson

♂ Boy

Pronounced LAW-sun /ˈlɔː.sən/High

Meaning: English surname meaning son of Lawrence, itself from Latin Laurentius meaning man from Laurentum or laurel-crownedHigh

In 30 seconds: Lawson is a polished English surname name meaning 'son of Lawrence' that hits the sweet spot of familiar but uncommon — strong, preppy, and distinctly modern in feel.
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Origin HighEnglish, Latin
MeaningEnglish surname meaning son of Lawrence, itself from Latin Laurentius meaning man from Laurentum or laurel-crowned
U.S. rank (2025)#381 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births830 boys (0.05% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 18,528

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202118802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Lawson is an English patronymic surname from Law, a medieval short form of Lawrence, plus the suffix -son. Lawrence itself derives from Latin Laurentius, connected to the laurel wreath of honor.

As a given name, Lawson has gained traction in the 21st century as surname-names became fashionable. It is particularly popular in the American South and among parents who like names with a professional, established feel.

Did you know? Lawson fits squarely into the trend of 'lawyer names' — surnames associated with the legal profession's prestige, alongside names like Mason, Carson, and Porter.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name — Lawson — surname originU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

LawrenceLaurence

Nicknames

LawSonny

Famous Bearers

  • Lawson (band) (formed 2010)
    British pop rock band from Bristol, named Lawson after their lead singer.

If you like Lawson…

Mason— fellow -son surname-name with similar professional pedigree and current popularity
Carson— shares the crisp surname energy and Southern preppy charm
Watson— same patronymic -son construction with a similarly intelligent feel
Grayson— popular -son surname-name with the same modern-classic balance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Lawson mean?

Lawson is an English surname meaning son of Lawrence, which in turn derives from the Latin for laurel-crowned.

How do you pronounce Lawson?

It is said LAW-sun /ˈlɔː.sən/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Lawson a popular baby name?

Lawson has been rising as a given name in the U.S. since the 2010s, appealing to fans of sleek surname-names.

What are similar names to Lawson?

Names with a similar feel include Mason, Carson, Grayson, and Watson.