Addison: Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity

By Cris Rizk •  Updated: 06/07/23

Choosing a baby name can be a thrilling and sometimes overwhelming experience. One name to consider is Addison, a name rich in meaning, origin, and steadily growing in popularity. In this article, I’ll delve into the fascinating background of the name Addison and why it might be the perfect choice for your little one.

Originating from Old English, Addison means “son of Adam.” Adam, a Hebrew name, translates to “man” or “red earth,” connecting to the biblical story of Adam created from the earth’s clay. Interestingly, while Addison was initially a common surname, it has transitioned to a popular first name for both boys and girls in recent years.

In the U.S., Addison’s popularity has surged over the past couple of decades. It cracked the top 100 names for girls in 2004, peaking at number 11 in 2007. As of 2020, it ranked at number 90. A versatile name that works for any gender, Addison offers a unique and contemporary sound while still holding on to its traditional roots.

Addison: Meanings and Roots

If you’re considering the name Addison for your baby, it’s essential to explore its meanings, roots, and popularity. I’ve researched this name thoroughly to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what it signifies, its origins, and how widely accepted it is.

At its core, Addison means “son of Adam.” It has both English and Scottish roots, originating from the Old English and Old Norse languages. Initially, it was a popular surname, but over the years, it has transitioned into a widely-used given name as well.

Sometimes, Addison is connected with the Hebrew name Adam, which means “man” or “earth.” Although the two names share a similar origin, Addison has distinct roots and meanings. In other languages and cultures, here are some variations of the name:

Regarding alternate names, other choices that are similar to Addison include Adeline, Adalyn, and Madelyn. Some suggested biblical names with a similar theme are Abigail and Elijah.

As for sibling names, here are some suggestions based on popularity and compatibility:

Addison has become popular for both girls and boys, although it is more commonly used as a girl’s name. Here’s a brief snapshot of its popularity in the United States over the years:

YearRank for GirlsRank for Boys
2000106400
201012288
20201051,179

As you can see, the name’s popularity has fluctuated over the years. It reached its peak for girls in 2010, ranking 12th, and then slowly started decreasing. For boys, it’s always been less popular, hitting its highest ranking in 2000 at 400th place and gradually dropping since then.

Some famous people named Addison include:

In conclusion, the name Addison has deeply rooted origins and a variety of meanings. It’s important to consider all of this information when deciding if this name is the right fit for your child.

Addison’s Place in History

Addison, a popular unisex name in English-speaking countries, has an interesting place in history. Originally an English surname meaning “son of Adam”, this versatile name has been steadily gaining popularity since the 1990s. In recent years, it’s become more popular as a first name, both for boys and girls.

In other languages and cultures, Addison has related names and variations Adisson (French), Adison (Scottish), and Adelina (Latin) which conjugations of the name often share similar biblical connotations.

When it comes to suggesting sibling names, here are a few options that complement Addison:

Famous people named Addison include:

Over the years, Addison has witnessed fluctuating popularity in the United States. To put its growth into context, here’s a table outlining the name’s rank in the US Top Baby Names over time:

YearRank (Girls)Rank (Boys)
2000214714
200527802
201011319
201524262
2020101932

Although its popularity has declined slightly in recent years, Addison remains a common name choice for many parents. Additionally, it’s important to note its rise in popularity bloomed almost exclusively in the United States, where other English-speaking countries didn’t share the same enthusiasm.

My extensive knowledge of names and their origins provides a valuable overview of Addison’s place in history. By understanding its growth, variations, and popular culture references, expectant parents and name enthusiasts alike can appreciate the significance of this timeless name.

Popularity Through the Years

The name Addison has seen significant ups and downs in popularity since its origin. Initially, it was primarily used as a boy’s name, but now it’s widely popular as a girl’s name. Let’s explore how this name has fared throughout the years:

Early Popularity

Addison first appeared in the 18th century, derived from an Old English origin, meaning “son of Adam.” Back then, it wasn’t as popular as it is today. However, it gained some popularity as a boy’s name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in English-speaking countries.

Rise in Popularity

In the early 2000s, Addison started gaining popularity as a girl’s name, thanks in part to popular TV show “Grey’s Anatomy,” which featured a character named Dr. Addison Montgomery. Since then, it has become increasingly popular for girls, even surpassing the use of the name for boys.

Popularity Data

From 2005 onwards, Addison consistently ranked in the top 100 popular names for girls in the US. Here’s a breakdown of its popularity from 2005 to 2020:

YearRank
200574
201010
201531
202090

Name Variations and Similar Names

Famous People Named Addison

From its early usage as a boy’s name to its surge in popularity as a girl’s name, Addison has experienced a fascinating journey through time. The name’s versatility and modern appeal make it a timeless choice for parents looking for a beautiful, meaningful name for their child.

Famous People Named Addison

Throughout history, several well-known individuals have been named Addison. In this section, I’ll introduce you to some of these notable figures, which include famous athletes, actors, and entrepreneurs.

Addison Russell is a professional baseball player who previously played for the Chicago Cubs as a shortstop and second baseman. He was a key player in the Cubs’ historic 2016 World Series victory, and he won the World Series Most Valuable Player Award at the age of 22.

Addison Timlin is a talented actress who has appeared in various films and television series. Some of her notable works include “Californication,” “Odd Thomas,” and “StartUp.” Timlin has also starred in the 2017 movie “The Sinner” alongside Jessica Biel.

In the world of entrepreneurship, Addison Palmer is a recognizable name. He’s the co-founder of the app development company Prolific Interactive and has overseen the development of numerous successful products. Prolific Interactive was eventually acquired by WeWork in 2019.

Here’s a summary of these famous Addisons:

NameProfessionKnown For
Addison RussellBaseball PlayerWorld Series MVP in 2016
Addison TimlinActressCalifornication, Odd Thomas
Addison PalmerEntrepreneurCo-Founder of Prolific Interactive

While the name Addison may have different meanings and origins in various languages and cultures, there are several alternative and similar names you could consider:

Suggested sibling names for those considering the name Addison might include:

Some of these famous people named Addison might help bring more recognition and uniqueness to the name. So, whether you’re considering Addison as a baby name or just curious about its popularity and notable namesakes, it’s worth noting that this name has crossed paths with greatness.

Variant Forms and Spellings

The name Addison has seen various forms and spellings over the years, which I’ll cover in this section. It’s essential to consider these variations for a deeper understanding of the name’s history and development. Here are some alternate spellings for Addison:

Addison can also be found as a first name in different languages and cultures. For example:

There are other similar names to Addison that might be of interest. Some of them have similar origins or meanings, while others might just have a similar sound. Here are a few to consider:

If you’re looking for suitable sibling names for Addison, there are plenty of options that would complement the name nicely. Some suggestions include:

Throughout history, there have been a few notable individuals named Addison. While there isn’t an extensive list, some famous people with the name are:

  1. Addison Timlin, an American actress known for her work in television and film.
  2. Addison Mizner, a prominent American architect known for his influence on the architectural style of South Florida.
  3. Addison Russell, an American professional baseball player who has played for several Major League Baseball teams.

To sum it up, the name Addison has seen various spellings and forms across cultures and languages. With similar names in sound or origin, there’s no shortage of options to consider if you’re looking for something closely related to this beautiful name. Famous individuals with the name have also left their mark in various fields, showcasing the versatility and appeal of the name Addison.

To Sum It Up

The name Addison has seen a steady rise in popularity for both boys and girls over recent years. Even with its increase in usage, it remains a unique and charming choice for parents seeking a name with a distinguished history.

Addison’s origin can be traced back to the English language, coming from the Old English name Ealdwine. This moniker has managed to attract parents from various cultural backgrounds due to its easy pronunciation and appealing meaning, “son of Adam.”

Throughout different cultures, Addison has a few fascinating variations and similar names such as:

When considering sibling names for Addison, some popular options include:

A number of famous individuals have also carried the name Addison, including:

From its unique meaning to its attractive sound, Addison remains a popular choice for parents in search of a name that’s both modern and steeped in history. With a variety of name variations across cultures and numerous known individuals, it’s safe to say Addison has made its mark on the global stage.

Cris Rizk

Hey there! I'm Cris, a proud mom who recently went through the rollercoaster of finding the perfect name for my newborn. It was such a challenging experience that I decided to create onlinebabynames.com!

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