Origin
Old English origin; derived from the surname 'Lawson', meaning 'son of Lawrence'. The surname itself originates from the given name 'Lawrence', which comes from the Latin 'Laurentius', meaning 'laurelled' or 'crowned with laurels'. Historically, it appears in medieval England as a patronymic surname, later adopted as a given name.
Meaning
'Son of Lawrence'; in the Australian context, it carries connotations of tradition and heritage, often associated with family lineage. The laurels signified honour and victory, giving the name a noble undertone in local usage.
Pronunciation
/ˈlɔːsən/ (Australian English pronunciation: LAW-sen, with emphasis on the first syllable, 'Law') -- the 'aw' as in 'law'; second syllable as in 'son'.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Lawson (original surname form)
- Lawsonne (archaic variant)
- Lawsun (rare spelling variation)
Nicknames
- Lawrie
- Laws
Name Days
- 13 August (Feast of Saint Lawrence)
- 12 August (Commonly celebrated in Catholic traditions)
- 26 June (Māori commemoration of early Christian influences in New Zealand, occasionally recognised in Australian multicultural festivities)
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with lawson:
- Ethan and Lawson
- Benjamin and Lawson
- Oliver and Lawson
Fun Facts
- The name Lawson is also associated with several prominent Australian figures, such as Sir Kenneth William Lawson, an influential lawyer and academic.
- In Australia, there is a well-known supermarket chain called Lawson, originating from Japanese but adopted as a brand name.
- Lawson Street is a common street name across various Australian cities, reflecting the surname's prevalence.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name lawson:
- Traditional
- Loyal
- Dependable
- Resilient
Aesthetic Qualities
A balanced, sturdy visual form; simple and timeless with a strong phonetic presence in written and spoken Australian English; suits both formal and casual contexts.
Geographical Distribution
More common in Victoria and New South Wales, where historic families bearing the surname have roots; less prevalent in the Northern territories but recognised nationally.
Numerological Significance
Name number 7 (based on Pythagorean numerology), associated with introspection, analytical thinking, and a contemplative nature—traits often linked to individuals with this name.
Astrological Connections
Typically associated with Virgo (August 23 - September 22), indicating traits of practicality, reliability, and attention to detail, reflective of the name's traditional connotations.
Historical Context
Often associated with early Australian settlers named Lawson, with notable figures such as Henry Lawson (poet and writer) shaping Australia's cultural identity. The name has appeared in various Australian literary works and public records over the past two centuries.
Linguistic Adaptability
Easily adaptable across English-speaking countries; remains in its original form in Australia but can be adapted to various spellings in non-English contexts.
Famous People Named lawson
- Henry Lawson (Poet and Short Story Writer)
- Patrick Lawson (Australian Cricketer)
- David Lawson (Lyricist)
Popularity in Australia
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 6 |