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Home › Baby Names Directory › Carson

Carson

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAR-sun /ˈkɑːr.sən/High

Meaning: Son of Carr; son of the marsh dweller — from Scottish surname Carson, from Old Norse kjarr (marsh, brushwood)High

In 30 seconds: A Scottish surname meaning 'son of the marsh dweller,' Carson has the rugged American frontier feel of a Western hero and has been a popular U.S. boys' name since the 20th century.
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Origin HighScottish Gaelic, Old Norse
MeaningSon of Carr; son of the marsh dweller — from Scottish surname Carson, from Old Norse kjarr (marsh, brushwood)
U.S. rank (2025)#124 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births2,883 boys (0.17% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2018
Total births (all-time)≈ 132,744

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201818802025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Carson is a Scottish surname from the Old Norse kjarr (marsh, brushwood), meaning 'dweller near the marsh.' The suffix -son means 'son of,' so Carson is 'son of the marsh dweller.'

As a given name Carson has been popular in the United States, particularly in the West and South, partly through associations with frontier hero Kit Carson. It entered the top 100 boys' names in the late 20th century.

Did you know? Kit Carson (1809–1868), the American frontiersman, scout, and folk hero, is one of the most famous bearers of the Carson name in American history.

Variations

KarsonCarsyn

Nicknames

Car

Famous Bearers

  • ★Kit Carson (1809–1868)
    American frontiersman, mountain man, and U.S. Army officer, one of the iconic figures of the American West.

If you like Carson…

Colton— Old English -ton name with the same American West and country character
Mason— occupational surname with the same strong American chart success
Greyson— -son surname name with the same clean two-syllable modern American feel
Callum— another Scottish Gaelic name
Crosby— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Carson

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Carson mean?

Carson is a Scottish surname meaning 'son of the marsh dweller,' from the Old Norse kjarr (marsh, brushwood) plus -son.

How do you pronounce Carson?

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

Is Carson a boy or girl name?

Carson is primarily used as a boy's name, though it is occasionally given to girls.

How popular is Carson?

Carson has been in the U.S. top 100 boys' names in recent decades.

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