220+ Boy Names That End in -son

  1. Karlson
    • Description:

      Karlson is a masculine name that appears to be a variation of the patronymic surname meaning 'son of Karl/Carl.' Karl itself derives from Germanic origins meaning 'free man' or 'strong man.' While traditionally used as a surname in Scandinavian countries and other Germanic regions, Karlson has occasionally transitioned to first-name usage. The name carries connotations of strength and Nordic heritage. Karlson has a strong, masculine sound while maintaining accessibility through its familiar components. As a given name, it remains uncommon, making it distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or understand. The name may appeal to parents with Scandinavian heritage or those seeking a strong-sounding alternative to the more common Karl or Charles.

  2. Carlson
    • Description:

      Carlson originated as a Scandinavian surname meaning 'son of Carl' (itself derived from the Old Norse 'karl,' meaning 'free man'). As a first name, it represents the modern trend of transforming surnames into given names, particularly popular in American naming patterns. Carlson carries a strong, masculine quality while honoring Scandinavian heritage. The name projects reliability and steadfastness, perhaps influenced by its literal meaning and traditional associations. While not among the most common first names, Carlson has maintained consistent if modest usage, particularly in regions with strong Nordic cultural influences. Parents might choose it seeking a distinctive name that still sounds familiar due to its recognition as a surname. It bridges traditional masculine naming conventions with contemporary style, appealing to those wanting a sturdy, recognizable name without excessive popularity.
  3. Pearson
    • Description:

      Pearson is primarily known as an English surname meaning 'son of Piers' or 'son of Peter,' with Peter ultimately deriving from the Greek 'petros' meaning 'rock' or 'stone.' As a masculine given name, Pearson follows the trend of using traditional surnames as first names, a practice that gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the late 20th century. The name carries connotations of strength and stability through its connection to 'stone,' while also suggesting a distinguished, professional quality that many surname-as-first-name choices convey. Though uncommon as a first name, Pearson offers the appeal of feeling both traditional and distinctive, with the familiar 'son' ending shared by names like Harrison, Jackson, and Wilson.

  4. Mackson
    • Origin:

      Surname name
    • Meaning:

      "son of Mack or Max"
    • Description:

      Mackson, while not unknown as a surname, is more of a modern invention as a first name, a smoosh of the more popular Jackson and Maxon. Authenticity aside, it's not without its appeal. And who can resist friendly diminutive Mack?
  5. Neeson
    • Origin:

      Irish
    • Meaning:

      "son of Naois"
    • Description:

      With parents looking for fresh -son names, this Irish option — best-known on actor Liam Neeson — may appeal.
  6. Dennison
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Dennis"
    • Description:

      A case in which the son is now more attractive than the father. There have been Colonial settlers surnamed Dennison on this side of the Atlantic since 1623.
  7. Wolfson
    • Origin:

      German, English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Wolf"
    • Description:

      This common Jewish surname — originally spelled Volfson — works as a modern and on-trend segue to the cool nickname Wolf, if Wolfgang or Wolfric feel a bit too heavy. With animal names like Wolf (along with Bear and Fox) shooting up the charts in recent years, Wolfson has plenty of undiscovered potential. A famous bearer of the surname is British politician David Wolfson, who was knighted Baron Wolfson of Sunningdale.
  8. Tilson
    • Description:

      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.
  9. Johnson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of John"
    • Description:

      No competition for Jackson.
  10. Levison
    • Description:

      Levison is a surname-derived masculine name with English origins, coming from the patronymic form meaning 'son of Levi.' Levi itself has Hebrew roots, meaning 'joined' or 'attached.' As a first name, Levison is uncommon and distinctive, offering a formal alternative to the more widely used Lewis or Levi. It carries a sophisticated, scholarly quality while maintaining the trendy pattern of using surnames as given names. Though rare in popularity rankings, Levison has appeal for parents seeking a traditional-sounding name with both Jewish and English heritage connections. The name offers the friendly nickname options of Lev or Levy.

  11. Coulson
    • Description:

      Coulson is a masculine English surname-turned-first-name derived from 'son of Coul,' with Coul being a medieval diminutive of Nicholas. This patronymic name originated in northern England and Scotland, carrying associations with those regions. As a first name, Coulson remains uncommon, giving it a distinctive quality. It gained modest recognition in the early 21st century partly due to the character Phil Coulson in Marvel's superhero franchise. The name has an aristocratic English feel that appeals to parents seeking uncommon names with historical depth. Like many surname-as-first-name options, Coulson conveys strength and formality. While still rare as a given name, it fits with contemporary naming trends favoring traditional surnames as distinctive first name choices.
  12. Eddison
    • Origin:

      Variant of Edison
    • Description:

      The full name of recurring Game of Thrones character Dolorous Edd, who was appointed head of the Night's Watch late in the series. While we like Edison, the extra "d" is probably going to cause more confusion than it's worth for all but the most diehard fans.
  13. Addisson
    • Description:

      Addisson as a masculine name is a variant spelling of Addison, which originated as an English surname meaning 'son of Adam.' The double 's' spelling gives this traditional name a contemporary twist while maintaining its historic roots. Originally more common for boys, Addison (in various spellings) experienced a significant shift toward feminine usage in the early 2000s, though it maintains a presence as a boy's name. The variant Addisson for boys offers parents a way to distinguish the masculine use through unique spelling. The name carries connotations of heritage and lineage while sounding modern and approachable. Potential nicknames include Addi, Son, or Sonny, providing versatility for different stages of life.

  14. Karson
    • Origin:

      Spelling variation of Carson, Scottish and English
    • Meaning:

      "son of the marsh dwellers"
    • Description:

      An increasingly popular spelling of Carson, Karson feels at home with Kayden, Kieran, and Kai. While the Carson spelling sits just outside the Top 100 and is used three times more often, Karson is still given to around 980 babies each year.
  15. Dickinson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Dick"
    • Description:

      Dickinson is a possibility for Richard's boy, though that Dick nickname is problematic no matter how you get to it.
  16. Janson
    • Origin:

      Scandinavian
    • Meaning:

      "Jan's son"
    • Description:

      Intriguing way to honor an ancestral John.
  17. Woodson
    • Origin:

      English surname
    • Meaning:

      "from Woodsome"
    • Description:

      Despite its -son ending, Woodson is not a patronymic surname (although it would be a great choice for the child of a Woody or Woodrow). People with the surname Woodson have ancestors from Woodsome, a town in West Yorkshire, England. Woodsome means "place at the houses in the wood," from the Old English æt wudu-hūsum.
  18. Payson
    • Origin:

      Modern invented name
    • Description:

      Pay-names are ultra-hot for girls these days, but they're also fairly popular for boys, in no small part thanks to Peyton Manning.
  19. Rawson
    • Origin:

      English
    • Meaning:

      "son of Ralf"
    • Description:

      Could be a possible substitute for the dated Dawson, but the first syllable is a little--well--raw.
  20. Wilkinson
    • Description:

      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.