JONSON
Jonson
Jonson is a surname of English origin, derived from the given name John. It is classified as a patronymic surname, which means it was originally based on the personal name of the father of the bearer. The name John itself comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious".
History
The surname Jonson has a long history in the British Isles, dating back to medieval times. It was commonly used to distinguish the son of a man named John from others in the community. Variants of the name include Johnson, Johnston, and Johnstone.
Distribution
The Jonson surname is widely distributed throughout the United Kingdom, with concentrations in England, Scotland, and Wales. Over time, bearers of the surname have dispersed across the world, particularly to countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States.
Famous Bearers
- Ben Jonson (1572-1637): An English playwright and poet, Ben Jonson was a contemporary of William Shakespeare and a prominent figure in English Renaissance literature.
- Don Jonson (b. 1949): An American actor, director, and producer, known for his roles in popular TV series and movies such as "Miami Vice" and "Django Unchained".
- Samuel Johnson (1709-1784): Notable English writer, critic, and lexicographer, best known for his influential Dictionary of the English Language published in 1755.
Legacy
With its rich heritage and notable bearers, the surname Jonson continues to be a respected and recognised name within British and global populations. The name reflects a connection to English history, literature, and culture, making it a significant part of the country's diverse tapestry of surnames.
There are approximately 282 people named Jonson in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Jonson.
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
- Alexander
- Brian
- David
- Jack
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Oz
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Amy
- Anna
- Casey
- Diane
- Eira
- Elizabeth
- Heena
- Jane
- Joanne
- Julie
- Laura
- Lydia
- Marianne
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
- Gionson
- Jhonson
- Johanson
- Janson
- Jenson
- Johannson
- Joanson
- Geensen
- Genesson
- Genison
- Gennissen
- Gensane
- Genson
- Genziani
- Genzoni
- Geonzon
- Ginison
- Ginson
- Jaanson
- Jahnson
- Jainsen
- Jainson
- Janeeson
- Janeson
- Janieson
- Janison
- Janneson
- Jannison
- Jannson
- Jansan
- Jansen
- Jansone
- Janssen
- Jansseune
- Jansson
- Janszen
- Janzen
- Jeanson
- Jeansson
- Jeneson
- Jenison
- Jenneson
- Jennisen
- Jennisin
- Jennison
- Jennissen
- Jennson
- Jennyson
- Jensen
- Jenssen
- Jensson
- Jenzen
- Jhnson
- Jinasena
- Jinnison
- Jinson
- Joensen
- Joensson
- Johansons
- Johnason
- Johnasson
- Johnnson
- Johnosn
- Johnsen
- Johnsin
- Johnso
- Johnsoin
- Johnson
- Johnsone
- Johnsons
- Johnssen
- Johnsson
- Johnston
- Johonson
- Joinson
- Joison
- Jomson
- Jonason
- Jonassen
- Jonasson
- Joneson
- Jonhson
- Jonison
- Jonkinson
- Jonnson
- Jonsan
- Jonsen
- Jonsson
- Jonston
- Jonusiene
- Jonzen
- Jophnson
- Joson
- Jounson
- Joynson
- Joyson
- Junson
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.