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Tyson

♂ Boy

Pronounced TY-sun /ˈtaɪ.sən/High

Meaning: From a medieval English surname derived from Old French tison meaning 'firebrand' or 'burning stick,' or alternatively a patronymic meaning 'son of Tye'; used as a given name from the 20th century onwardHigh

In 30 seconds: Tyson is a punchy Anglo-Norman surname-name meaning 'firebrand,' best known through heavyweight champion Mike Tyson. Bold, two-syllable, and athletically charged.
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Origin HighEnglish, Old French
MeaningFrom a medieval English surname derived from Old French tison meaning 'firebrand' or 'burning stick,' or alternatively a patronymic meaning 'son of Tye'; used as a given name from the 20th century onward
U.S. rank (2025)#531 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births565 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2009
Total births (all-time)≈ 48,384

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200919122025

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

History & Origin

Tyson is an English surname of Norman French origin, derived from tison meaning 'firebrand' or 'ember.' It was common as a family name in medieval England before transitioning to use as a given name in the 20th century. The alternate derivation as a patronymic ('son of Tye') has less documentary support but circulates in name guides.

Tyson entered American given-name charts in the mid-20th century and surged in the late 1980s following Mike Tyson's rise to boxing dominance. It also gained a second wave of cultural currency through astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson. The name remains popular, ranking in the U.S. top 300, particularly appealing to parents who want a strong, sporty, one-owner feel.

Did you know? Mike Tyson became undisputed heavyweight champion of the world at age 20 in 1986 — the youngest in boxing history — and his fame made Tyson one of the most recognizable athletic names of the late 20th century.
Overall data confidence 87%
Behind the Name — Tyson — etymology and surname historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

TysenTison

Nicknames

Ty

Famous Bearers

  • ★Mike Tyson (1966–present)
    American heavyweight boxing champion, youngest undisputed world heavyweight champion at age 20.
  • ★Neil deGrasse Tyson (1958–present)
    American astrophysicist and science communicator, director of the Hayden Planetarium.

If you like Tyson…

Mason— fellow surname-to-given-name with the same punchy two-syllable energy
Dawson— shares the -son suffix, the Anglo-Saxon heritage, and the strong sporty tone
Brody— two-syllable surname-name with the same rugged, athletic feel
Jaylen— contemporary two-syllable boys' name popular in the same athletic naming space

Frequently Asked

What does the name Tyson mean?

Tyson comes from Old French tison meaning 'firebrand' or 'burning stick,' and was also used as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Tye.'

How do you pronounce Tyson?

It is said TY-sun — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Tyson a boy or girl name?

Tyson is used almost exclusively as a boys' name.

How popular is Tyson?

Tyson ranks in the U.S. top 300 for boys and has been popular since the late 1980s, boosted by the fame of boxer Mike Tyson.