Colson

Origin of the Surname Colson is a surname of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Nicholas." The name Nicholas itself comes from the Greek name "Nikolaos," meaning "victory of the people."

Historical Background The surname Colson has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Colson, Collson, and Collison. It is believed that the name originated as a patronymic, denoting "son of Nicholas." The name Nicholas was popular in England following the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, and the surname Colson likely developed as a way to distinguish individuals with the given name Nicholas.

Distribution and Variants The surname Colson is widely distributed across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions historically associated with Norman influence, such as Yorkshire, Hampshire, and Lincolnshire. Variants of the surname, such as Collson and Collison, also exist in different parts of the country.

Famous Individuals Throughout history, individuals bearing the surname Colson have made notable contributions in various fields, including literature, politics, and entertainment. One of the most famous Colsons is Charles Colson (1931-2012), who served as Special Counsel to President Richard Nixon and later became a prominent Christian author and speaker.

Modern Significance Today, the surname Colson continues to be borne by individuals across the United Kingdom and beyond. It retains its historical link to the given name Nicholas while also serving as a unique identifier for those who share its legacy. The surname Colson reminds us of the enduring influence of Norman heritage on British culture and identity.

There are approximately 819 people named Colson in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,619th most common surname in Britain. Around 13 in a million people in Britain are named Colson.

Surname type: From name of parent

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Daniel
  • Darren
  • David
  • Edward
  • James
  • John
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Gail
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Katherine
  • Maria
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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