Payson Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: PAY-sun //ˈpeɪsən//
Origin: English; French
Meaning: English: from the town of Payson; French: peaceful
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Payson has its roots in Old French, deriving from the word "pais" which means "peace." This term itself can be traced back to the Latin "pax," also meaning "peace." The transition from Latin to Old French occurred during the medieval period, as the Norman Conquest in the 11th century facilitated the integration of Latin-derived vocabulary into the vernacular of the time. The name subsequently made its way into English, likely during the 16th or 17th centuries, as surnames began to evolve into given names, reflecting a broader trend of adopting surnames as first names in English-speaking cultures.
Historically, the name Payson may have been used as a surname before becoming a given name. It is believed to have been borne by notable figures in various contexts, although specific historical milestones are less documented compared to more common names.
The use of Payson as a first name can be linked to the 19th century, when the practice of using surnames as first names became increasingly popular in the United States, particularly among families seeking to honor their heritage or familial connections. Culturally, the name Payson carries connotations of tranquility and harmony, reflective of its meaning related to peace.
This association may have contributed to its adoption in various contexts, including literature and personal naming traditions. The name's phonetic appeal and its connection to positive attributes have allowed it to resonate with those seeking a name that embodies calmness and serenity.
While diminutive forms are not widely recognized, the name's unique sound and historical significance lend it a distinctive character in the landscape of English names.
Famous people named Payson
In this section, you will find notable people named Payson. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Payson who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Payson who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Payson McElveen is a professional cyclist best known for competing in the USA Cycling National Championships, the Tour of Utah, and the Tour of California.
Payson Lewis is a musician best known for his work with the band The New Electric Sound and his solo music career.
Fictional characters named Payson
The following list of fictional characters named Payson is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Payson is a fictional character from the TV series Make It or Break It. She is a talented gymnast who navigates the challenges of competition and personal growth alongside her friends.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Payson, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Payson. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Payson was first seen in the United States in 1917.
Payson has ranked as high as #2414 nationally, which occurred in 2012, and has been most popular in Arizona, Utah, Texas, Idaho, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Payson has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Payson is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Payson was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Payson.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 83 | 36 | 47 |
| 2024 | 88 | 50 | 38 |
| 2023 | 104 | 46 | 58 |
| 2022 | 100 | 39 | 61 |
| 2021 | 115 | 51 | 64 |
| 2020 | 89 | 51 | 38 |
| 2019 | 90 | 47 | 43 |
| 2018 | 102 | 56 | 46 |
| 2017 | 115 | 59 | 56 |
| 2016 | 125 | 71 | 54 |
| 2015 | 146 | 78 | 68 |
| 2014 | 146 | 74 | 72 |
| 2013 | 156 | 57 | 99 |
| 2012 | 171 | 60 | 111 |
| 2011 | 167 | 51 | 116 |
| 2010 | 149 | 60 | 89 |
| 2009 | 91 | 72 | 19 |
| 2008 | 47 | 37 | 10 |
| 2007 | 59 | 49 | 10 |
| 2006 | 36 | 27 | 9 |
| 2005 | 55 | 43 | 12 |
| 2004 | 46 | 38 | 8 |
| 2003 | 36 | 27 | 9 |
| 2002 | 47 | 39 | 8 |
| 2001 | 46 | 37 | 9 |
| 2000 | 41 | 32 | 9 |
| 1999 | 25 | 25 | 0 |
| 1998 | 25 | 25 | 0 |
| 1997 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1996 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 1995 | 19 | 13 | 6 |
| 1994 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1993 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 1992 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1991 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
| 1982 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1960 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1932 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1929 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1928 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1917 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Payson (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| AZ | 7 |