Addison is a unisex given name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the surname Addison, which was originally an occupational name for a cloth maker or fuller, someone who cleaned and thickened wool. The name is believed to have originated from the Middle English word "adden," meaning "to full" or "to thicken."
The name Addison first appeared as a surname in medieval England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It was traditionally given to people whose occupation involved working with textiles. However, over time, Addison has evolved from an occupational surname to a given name.
In literature, one of the most notable figures associated with the name Addison is Joseph Addison, the English essayist and poet who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is best known for his work on "The Spectator," a daily publication that he co-founded in 1711. This association may have contributed to the name's popularity as a given name.
Today, Addison is often used as a girl's name, but it can also be used as a boy's name. It has gained significant popularity in recent years, with its peak popularity occurring in the United States in 2013 when it was among the top 50 names for girls and boys combined. The name Addison has been popular not only in English-speaking countries but also around the world.
In summary, Addison is a unisex given name of English origin that comes from an occupational surname meaning "cloth maker" or "fuller." It has evolved over time from being used as an occupational surname to becoming a popular given name. Its popularity may have been influenced by association with notable figures such as Joseph Addison, and it continues to be widely used today in many countries around the world.
The name Addison experienced fluctuations in popularity from 2006 to 2014, with a total of 91 babies named Addison born during this period. The peak years for the name were 2007 and 2009, each with 18 births. However, there was a significant drop in usage starting from 2012 onwards, with fewer than 10 births per year.