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Dawn

Girl name · 2,686 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Dawn: 2,686 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 210 births in 1974.

Dawn is a word name that entered the English naming pool in the late 19th century, drawn directly from the Old English *dagung* for the first light of day. It symbolises new beginnings and hope, making it a classic choice for baby girls. Comedian Dawn French, one half of the duo French and Saunders, has brought a warm, witty association to the name, while actress Dawn Wells charmed audiences as Mary Ann on *Gilligan’s Island*. There are no major places named directly after a person called Dawn, but the name shares its etymological root with many towns and cities featuring “Dawn” or “Day” in their names. A sweet Scottish variant is Dawnie, though less common today. The name enjoyed its peak popularity in the 1970s but remains a timeless, gentle choice.