Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.
DAWSON
As described in historical dictionaries
An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)
Said to be a corruption of the Nor. Fr. D'Ossone, from the town of Ossone, in Normandy. Camden, however, thinks it a contraction of Davison, the son of David, which is the more probable derivation.
Patronymica Britannica (1860)
DAWSON. See David. The late earl of Portarlington averred tliat it ought to be D'Ossoune 1 Arthur says there is a town in Normandy called Ossone, hut the Itin. Norm, does not give it.
Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.
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