Johnson

Origin and Meaning: Johnson is a common surname of English origin that is derived from the given name John, which means "God is gracious." It is one of the most widespread surnames in the English-speaking world.

History: The surname Johnson has a long history in England, with records dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have originated as a patronymic surname, indicating "son of John." Over time, the name became established as a hereditary surname passed down through generations.

Distribution and Popularity: Johnson is a particularly common surname in both England and the United States, where it ranks among the top surnames. It is also prevalent in other English-speaking countries such as Australia and Canada. The name's popularity can be attributed to its simple and familiar nature.

Famous Individuals: The Johnson surname has been borne by numerous notable individuals throughout history, including:

  • Samuel Johnson: A renowned English writer and lexicographer famous for his influential "A Dictionary of the English Language."
  • Lyndon B. Johnson: The 36th President of the United States, who served from 1963 to 1969.
  • Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: A popular American actor and former professional wrestler known for his roles in various blockbuster movies.

Variations: Variants of the Johnson surname include Johns, Jonson, and Johnstone, among others. These variations may have arisen from regional dialects or spelling variations over time.

Legacy: The Johnson surname carries a strong legacy of resilience, creativity, and accomplishment. It has become a symbol of English heritage and has been embraced by individuals of diverse backgrounds worldwide. The name continues to be passed down through generations, connecting modern bearers with their ancestral roots.

References: For those interested in further researching the Johnson surname, genealogical resources, historical records, and online databases provide valuable information on the surname's origins and variations.

There are approximately 205,083 people named Johnson in the UK. That makes it the 10th most common surname in Britain. Around 3,149 in a million people in Britain are named Johnson.

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.