Anson is an English surname that is usually explained as "son of Agnes" or "son of Hann", a medieval short form of John. Actor Anson Williams, Potsie in Happy Days, and Anson Mount of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are familiar bearers. Anson entered the US top 1000 in 2013 and peaked at number 785 in 2016; it has dropped back out since and ranks number 1728 in 2025.