Dawn

girlEnglish

Dawn is an girl name of English origin, meaning “Daybreak”.

MeaningDaybreak
GenderGirl
OriginEnglish
PronunciationDAWN
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Australia

Meaning and origin of Dawn

Dawn is simply the English word for daybreak, from Old English dagian, 'to become day'. It came into use as a girl's name in the late nineteenth century, sometimes understood as an English equivalent of the Latin Aurora, the goddess of the dawn. It was especially fashionable in Britain and the United States from the 1950s to the 1970s, and its imagery of a fresh beginning still appeals. The comedian Dawn French is a well-known bearer.

Is Dawn a religious name?

Dawn is a secular word name with no specific religious background.

How popular is Dawn?

Much more common among women born in the mid-twentieth century than among babies today.

Gifts with the name Dawn

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Spellings and variants of Dawn

DawnaAuroraEos

Names similar to Dawn

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Dawn mean?

Dawn means 'Daybreak'. It is of English origin.

Does Dawn have a religious meaning?

Dawn is a secular word name with no specific religious background.

How do you pronounce Dawn?

Dawn is pronounced DAWN.

Is Dawn a boy or girl name?

Dawn is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.