Paxson is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. Its meaning and history are deeply rooted in the country's past and culture.
The name Paxson was first brought to public attention by American author Wallace Stegner, who used it for one of his characters in his novel "Angle of Repose," published in 1971. The character Paxson Carver is portrayed as a former miner who becomes a successful rancher, reflecting the spirit of determination and resilience that typifies many Americans.
The name Paxson itself is derived from the English surname Paxson, which was originally an occupational name given to a peacekeeper or mediator. This derivation comes from the Old French word "paix," meaning peace, combined with the suffix "-son," indicating "son of." Thus, the name Paxson can be interpreted as meaning "son of peace."
However, it's important to note that in the context of Wallace Stegner's novel and its characters, the name Paxson is not directly associated with the idea of peace. Instead, it serves as a reflection of the character's strength, adaptability, and ability to make the most out of challenging circumstances.
In recent years, Paxson has gained popularity as a given name in the United States. According to data from the Social Security Administration, its usage has been steadily increasing since 2013. This trend may be attributed to the growing appreciation for unique and meaningful names, as well as the influence of Stegner's works on American literature.
In conclusion, Paxson is a distinctive given name with an interesting history and meaning. Its origins can be traced back to English occupational surnames, but its most notable association is with Wallace Stegner's character Paxson Carver from "Angle of Repose." As a name that evokes strength, resilience, and adaptability, Paxson continues to gain popularity among American parents seeking distinctive and meaningful names for their children.
According to the statistics provided, the name Paxson has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States.
Starting from just 5 births per year between 1993 and 2000, there was a notable spike in 2006 with 10 births. This trend continued, with the highest number of Paxson births occurring in 2012, totaling 39 births.
However, after 2012, the popularity of the name began to decline, reaching a low of 12 births in 2023. Despite this recent decrease, the overall trend shows that Paxson has been increasingly chosen as a baby boy's name since the early 2000s.
In total, there have been 420 babies named Paxson born in the United States from 1993 to 2023, indicating that this name has gained some traction among parents during this time period.