Saxon

♂ Boy

Pronounced SAK-sun /ˈsæk.sən/High

Meaning: From Old English and Latin Saxo, referring to a member of the Saxon people; the tribal name possibly derives from seax, meaning a short sword or knifeHigh

In 30 seconds: Saxon is an Old English name meaning one of the Saxon people, a Germanic tribe whose name may derive from seax, their distinctive short sword. Bold and historically resonant, it evokes the medieval Anglo-Saxon world.

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Origin HighOld English, Latin

MeaningFrom Old English and Latin Saxo, referring to a member of the Saxon people; the tribal name possibly derives from seax, meaning a short sword or knife

U.S. rank (2024)#3081 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births40 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2021

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,532

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Saxon refers to the Germanic Saxons who migrated from what is now northern Germany to Britain in the 5th century, eventually forming the Kingdom of Wessex, Essex, Sussex, and Middlesex. The tribal name may derive from seax, a type of short sword. The Anglo-Saxons shaped the English language, legal tradition, and culture before the Norman Conquest of 1066.

As a given name, Saxon is a modern revival choice that emerged in the English-speaking world in the late 20th century, appealing to parents drawn to strong historical Anglo-Saxon heritage names. It has a bold, masculine energy and has been used in Australia and the United States. The name projects warrior strength and historical depth without feeling archaic.

Did you know? The word seax — the short, single-edged blade that gave the Saxons their name — is still recognized in the heraldry of Essex and Middlesex, two English counties whose very names preserve the memory of the Saxon tribes.

Overall data confidence 88%

Hanks, Hardcastle & Hodges, Oxford Dictionary of First Names (2006) — Saxon entry and etymologyBosworth & Toller, Anglo-Saxon Dictionary — seax definition and tribal name connection

Variations

SaxtonSaxen

Nicknames

Sax

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Saxon…

Easton— English place-name/surname name with similar -on ending and historical feel

Axton— shares the -xon phonetic element and strong Anglo sound

Paxton— similar -xton surname name with matching masculine energy

Weston— English place-name turned given name with same historical resonance

Frequently Asked

What does the name Saxon mean?

Saxon means of the Saxon people, the Germanic tribe whose name likely derives from seax, a short sword or knife.

How do you pronounce Saxon?

Saxon is pronounced SAK-sun, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Saxon a boy or girl name?

Saxon is used as a boys name.

How popular is Saxon?

Saxon is a rare but rising name in English-speaking countries, particularly in Australia and the United States, among parents who favor strong historical names.