When was Dexter most popular?

The name Dexter reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.

What are the origins of the name Dexter Lau?

The name Dexter Lau combines two different traditions: the first name Dexter has Latin roots, while the surname Lau originates from Vietnamese.

Dexter Lau — 32K & 30K bearers

Dexter Lau is a name that combines Latin origins. The first name Dexter is a masculine given name of Latin origin. Dexter is an English masculine given name. It is a transferred use of a surname derived from the Old English word deagestre, meaning “dyer of cloth.” Dexter is also a Latin term meaning skillful. Usage of the name might have increased in the Anglosphere due to well-known figures such as American politician Samuel Dexter (1761–1816) and wealthy American eccentric and author Timothy Dexter (1747–1806). The surname Lau: Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn. Dexter is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 32K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Dexter reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Dexter

Latin

Dexter is an English masculine given name. It is a transferred use of a surname derived from the Old English word deagestre, meaning “dyer of cloth.” Dexter is also a Latin term meaning skillful. Usage of the name might have increased in the Anglosphere due to well-known figures such as American politician Samuel Dexter (1761–1816) and wealthy American eccentric and author Timothy Dexter (1747–1806).

Surname: Lau

Vietnamese

Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.

Geographic Distribution

The first name Dexter is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 52%

United Kingdom 26%

Australia 13%

Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Dexter by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s

1910s

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

Notable People Named Dexter Lau

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Dexter Lau:

11

Expression Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

5

Soul Urge Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

6

Personality Number

Nurturing and responsibility. Associated with care, family values and a strong sense of duty towards loved ones.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Dexter?: The first name Dexter originates from Latin. Dexter is an English masculine given name. It is a transferred use of a surname derived from the Old English word deagestre, meaning “dyer of cloth.” Dexter is also a Latin term meaning skillful. Usage of the name might have increased in the Anglosphere due to well-known figures such as American politician Samuel Dexter (1761–1816) and wealthy American eccentric and author Timothy Dexter (1747–1806).
When was Dexter most popular?: The name Dexter reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Lau?: The surname Lau originates from Vietnamese. Amy Lau (1968–2025), American interior designer Andrew Lau (born 1960), Hong Kong director and producer Andy Lau (born 1961), Hong Kong singer and actor Carina Lau (born 1965), Hong Kong-Canadian actress and director Chak Sing Lau, Hong Kong professor of rheumatology Charley Lau (1933–1984), American catcher and hitting coach in Major League Baseball Christel Lau (born 1944), German field hockey player Constance Lau (born 1991), Singaporean actress and model David Lau (born 1966), Ashkenazi Chief Rabbi of Israel Emma Lau (born 1991), British actress Evelyn Lau (born 1971), Canadian writer Finn.
What are the origins of the name Dexter Lau?: The name Dexter Lau combines two different traditions: the first name Dexter has Latin roots, while the surname Lau originates from Vietnamese.