Names Ending in -son for Boys

A surname-style name that, in theory, would be a cool alternative to Mason, however, in theory is the key phrase here. Manson will forever be associated with Charles Manson, cult leader of 'The Manson Family', who responsible for several violent murders in the 60s.
 
The Scottish variation of Magnusson, the name literally means "son of Magnus" or more figuratively, "son of the great". You may be surprised to learn that it remains quietly in use in the US, given to a small handful of boys most years.

Manson

Simpson

McPherson is a Scottish surname that has occasionally been used as a first name for boys. Derived from the Gaelic 'Mac a' Phearsain' meaning 'son of the parson' or 'son of the clergyman,' it reflects the historical practice of adopting family names as given names. As a first name, McPherson maintains its distinguished Scottish heritage while offering the friendly nickname options of 'Mac' or 'Pherson.' Though relatively uncommon as a first name, it appeals to parents seeking a distinctive choice with historical roots and professional connotations. The name carries a scholarly, dignified quality while still maintaining a contemporary feel among surname-as-first-name trends.

Mcpherson

Christofferson is a patronymic surname that has evolved into occasional use as a masculine given name. Derived from the Norse name 'Kristoffer' (Christopher) plus 'son,' meaning 'son of Christopher,' it reflects Scandinavian naming traditions. This name carries an inherent sense of heritage and legacy, honoring ancestral connections. As a first name, Christofferson remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking distinctive names with historical roots. It offers the friendly nickname options 'Chris' or 'Toff,' while maintaining a formal, distinguished quality in its full form. The name conveys strength and tradition, with its multi-syllabic structure lending a certain gravitas to those who bear it.

Christofferson

Wilkinson originated as an English surname meaning 'son of Wilkin' (a diminutive of William, meaning 'resolute protector'). Its transition to first-name usage follows the modern trend of adopting surnames as given names, particularly in English-speaking countries. Though uncommon as a first name, it brings distinguished associations and the popular nickname options Will or Wilson. The name projects strength and heritage, carrying a formal, somewhat aristocratic quality. Usage as a first name remains relatively rare but has seen occasional adoption, particularly in the United States and United Kingdom. Wilkinson represents the continued interest in surname-style first names that convey tradition and family heritage while offering a distinctive alternative to more common options like William or Wilson.

Wilkinson

Ellson is an uncommon masculine name of English origin, likely derived as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Ellis' or 'son of Elias.' Ellis itself comes from the biblical name Elijah, meaning 'Jehovah is God.' As a first name, Ellson remains quite rare, providing a distinctive alternative to more popular names like Elliot or Elson. It carries a refined, somewhat traditional quality while maintaining a modern sound. The name blends well with current naming trends favoring surnames as first names and offers the friendly nickname options of 'Ell' or 'Ellie.'

Ellson

Carrson is a modern variant spelling of Carson, which originated as an English surname derived from the Scottish-Gaelic name 'MacCarson,' meaning 'son of Carr.' The name Carr itself has roots meaning 'dweller near a marsh' or 'rocky area.' The double 'r' spelling gives Carrson a distinctive contemporary flair while maintaining the strong, masculine sound of the original. In the United States, this spelling variation emerged as parents sought unique alternatives to more common names while preserving familiar sounds. Though less common than Carson, Carrson has gained some popularity in recent decades as part of the trend toward creative spellings of traditional names.

Carrson

Bjornson

Watterkinson is an uncommon surname-derived masculine name with English origins. It evolved as a patronymic name meaning 'son of Walter' or 'son of Watters,' with the '-son' suffix indicating descent. Like many surname-based first names, it emerged as families sought to preserve maternal or paternal family names. While relatively rare as a first name, Watterkinson carries an air of distinction and traditionalism. It may appeal to parents seeking a unique name with historical connections or honoring family heritage. The name offers several friendly nickname options including Watt or Watson.

Watterkinson

Jansson is a masculine name of Scandinavian origin, primarily functioning as a surname in Sweden, Finland, and other Nordic countries. It literally means 'son of Jan' (a Scandinavian form of John). As a first name, Jansson is uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. The name carries connotations of Nordic heritage and strong family traditions. It might remind literary enthusiasts of Tove Jansson, the Finnish author who created the Moomin characters. Jansson has a strong, crisp sound with its prominent consonants, giving it a memorable quality. While rare as a first name globally, it offers a unique option for parents seeking a name with clear Scandinavian roots or family connections to Nordic heritage.

Jansson

Dowson is a masculine name that originated as an English surname, derived from a patronymic meaning 'son of Dow' (with Dow being a medieval diminutive of names like David). As a first name, Dowson is quite uncommon, appealing to parents seeking distinctive options with traditional roots. The name has a strong, dignified quality with its two-syllable structure and solid consonant sounds. Dowson shares similarities with more common surname-turned-first-names like Dawson and Downey, but maintains its own unique character. The name conveys a sense of heritage and stability, fitting well with contemporary trends favoring surnames as first names while remaining relatively undiscovered. For families looking to honor ancestors with the surname or seeking something both traditional and unusual, Dowson offers an intriguing option.

Dowson

Tuson is a masculine name with multiple potential origins. It likely developed as a variant of the surname Towson or Touson, which derives from Old English place names combining 'Tow' (possibly referring to a person) with 'tun' meaning 'settlement' or 'town.' The name may also have connections to French origins as a variant of Tousson. As a given name, Tuson is exceptionally rare, appealing to those seeking distinctive uniqueness. Its sound evokes strength and brevity, with the hard consonants giving it a masculine quality. The name's rarity means it carries few preconceptions or stereotypes, allowing the bearer to define its character. Though uncommon across all countries and time periods, its structure follows familiar naming patterns, making it accessible despite its uniqueness.

Tuson

A southwestern city name that could make a distinctive alternative to Dallas. 

Tucson

Donelson is a masculine name with Scottish and English origins, historically used as a surname meaning 'son of Donald.' Donald itself derives from the Gaelic elements 'dubh' meaning 'dark' and 'val' meaning 'ruler,' so Donelson essentially means 'son of the dark ruler.' The name carries a distinguished, traditional quality with its classic 'son' suffix pattern common in Scandinavian and Scottish naming traditions. As a given name, Donelson remains quite rare, making it a distinctive choice. It may appeal to families with Scottish heritage or those looking to honor an ancestor named Donald while using a less common variation. The name also has historical significance in American place names, including Donelson, Tennessee.

Donelson

Thomason is a masculine name that originated as an English and Scottish patronymic surname meaning 'son of Thomas.' Thomas itself comes from the Aramaic name Ta'oma meaning 'twin.' As a first name, Thomason represents the modern trend of transforming surnames into given names, offering a traditional sound with contemporary style. While uncommon as a first name, it provides a distinctive alternative to the extremely popular Thomas. Thomason has a dignified, professional quality that ages well from childhood to adulthood. The name might appeal to parents seeking a connection to family heritage without using an exact family name, or those who appreciate its combination of familiarity and uniqueness. The 'son' ending gives it a strong masculine quality with historical resonance.

Thomason

Tompson is a surname-derived masculine name that originated as a patronymic meaning 'son of Tom' or 'son of Thomas.' It is a variant spelling of Thompson, which ranks among the most common Anglo-Saxon surnames in English-speaking countries. While Thompson is the standard spelling, Tompson represents a less common variant that maintains the same pronunciation. As a first name, Tompson remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with familiar sounds and clear surname roots. The name carries connotations of strength and tradition, while offering the friendly nickname options of 'Tom' or 'Tommy.'

Tompson

Jaimison is a masculine name that represents a modern variant of James, ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows." This contemporary spelling combines the Spanish-influenced Jaime with the English patronymic suffix "-son," literally meaning "son of James." While less common than similar variants like Jameson or Jamison, Jaimison has gained modest popularity in the United States since the 1980s as parents seek distinctive alternatives to traditional names. The name carries a strong, masculine sound while maintaining recognizable roots. Jaimison projects a friendly yet professional image, balancing familiarity with uniqueness. The name works well across various cultures and has cross-generational appeal, making it versatile for a child who will grow into adulthood with this distinctive yet accessible name.

Jaimison

Tilson is a masculine name of English origin, derived from a surname meaning 'son of Till.' Till itself was a medieval diminutive of names like Matilda or Dietrich. As a first name, Tilson combines traditional roots with a contemporary sound, making it both distinctive and accessible. The name has remained uncommon in usage, appealing to parents seeking alternatives to popular names while maintaining familiar phonetics. Tilson carries a strong, distinguished quality with its clear consonants and straightforward pronunciation. The surname-as-first-name trend has helped names like Tilson gain modest recognition, though it remains a unique choice. For families looking to honor ancestors named Till or Tilson, or simply seeking a masculine name with English heritage and uncommon status, Tilson offers an intriguing option.

Tilson

Dottson is a rare masculine name that appears to have originated as a patronymic surname meaning 'son of Dott' or 'son of Dorothy.' The root 'Dott' is a diminutive form of Dorothy, which comes from the Greek name Dorothea meaning 'gift of God.' As a given name, Dottson remains extremely uncommon, likely chosen by parents seeking a distinctive family surname to use as a first name. This practice became more popular in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name carries a traditional, somewhat formal quality with its '-son' suffix, similar to names like Harrison or Jefferson. Dottson has never ranked in popular name charts, maintaining its status as a unique identifier.

Dottson

Tennison is an English surname-turned-first-name with the literal meaning of "son of Dennis." The name Dennis itself derives from Dionysus, the Greek god of wine and revelry. Tennison carries a distinguished literary connection through the renowned Victorian poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson, which adds intellectual prestige to the name. As a first name, Tennison remains relatively uncommon, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with historical gravitas. The name has seen a modest increase in usage in recent decades as part of the trend toward using surnames as first names. With its strong consonants and rhythmic cadence, Tennison projects confidence and sophistication while offering the friendly nickname options of "Tenn" or "Tenney."

Tennison

Boy names that end in son are among the oldest and most classic male names around.

 is Mason, which ranks in the Top 10. Along with Mason, boy names ending in son in the US Top 100 include Jackson, Grayson, Carson, Jameson, Bryson, and Jason.

 ending in son include Hodgson and Babson. You can also fashion a unique son-ending name from an ancestral female first name, such as Marson for Mary, Marie, or Margaret.

, names that end in son are based quite literally on the name of the father, so that Jackson is the son of Jack, Harrison is the son of Harry, and so on.

 apart from their relationship to family names. Names ending in son for boys sound like (and often are) surnames, a stylish class all its own. And some people feel that boys' names with son at the end sound more like real names, buttoned-up and classy, but also lending themselves to cute short forms.



Of course there are a handful of popular girl names that end in son too, notably Madison, Addison, and Alison. But the son ending is usually attached to boy names. Here are the choices, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.

Boy names that end in -son including popular boy names ending in -son and unique boy names that end in -son, with meanings, origins, and popularity. (Page 14)

220+ Boy Names That End in -son