Kempson

Origin and Meaning

Kempson is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Old English personal name "Kemp," which means warrior or champion, and the suffix "-son," indicating son of. Therefore, Kempson roughly translates to "son of the champion."

History and Distribution

The surname Kempson has ancient roots in England, with records dating back to the 13th century. It is predominantly found in the Midlands, particularly in Staffordshire and Warwickshire, as well as in other parts of England. Over time, the name has spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Individuals

The Kempson surname has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, such as:

  • Wilfred Kempson (1907–1985): An English footballer who played for clubs including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City.

  • June Kempson (b. 1941): A British artist known for her vibrant and abstract paintings.

  • Henry Kempson (1595–better known by the alias of "Old White Hat"): An infamous highwayman known for his exploits in the 17th century.

Variants

Variants of the Kempson surname include Kempston, Kempstone, and Kempsonne, reflecting variations in spelling and pronunciation over the centuries.

In conclusion, the surname Kempson has a rich history and is linked to notions of strength and valour. Its prevalence in England and beyond highlights the enduring legacy of the Kempson name.

There are approximately 1,576 people named Kempson in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,145th most common surname in Britain. Around 24 in a million people in Britain are named Kempson.

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
  • Brian
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Martin
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Caroline
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jennifer
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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