The name Addison has its origins in the Old English language and is derived from the surname Addison, which means "son of Addy". Addy itself is a diminutive form of the name Adam, derived from the Hebrew name meaning "earth" or "ground". The name can be traced back to the Middle Ages, with early recorded instances found in English parish records dating back to the 13th century.

One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Addison Arundell, an English nobleman who lived in the 14th century and served as Lord Chancellor of England under King Edward III. Another notable historical figure was Addison Pratt, an early leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who lived from 1802 to 1872 and played a significant role in the establishment of the church's presence in the Pacific Islands.

In the literary world, the name is perhaps most famously associated with Joseph Addison, the 17th-century English essayist, poet, and playwright. Addison, who lived from 1672 to 1719, co-founded the influential literary publication The Spectator and is considered one of the foremost practitioners of the English essay.

Moving forward in time, Addison Gillespie was an American baseball player who played for the Washington Senators in the early 20th century, appearing in the 1924 and 1925 World Series. In the field of aviation, Addison Bain was a pioneering American aeronautical engineer who made significant contributions to the development of aircraft design during the early 20th century.

Throughout history, the name Addison has been borne by individuals from various fields, including politics, literature, sports, and science. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its distinctive sound and its connection to a rich historical and cultural heritage.