LAWSON
Lawson
Origin and Meaning
Lawson is a common British surname with its roots in medieval England. It is of Anglo-Scottish origin and is believed to be derived from the given name "Law," which itself is derived from the Old English "hlaw," meaning a hill or burial mound. Therefore, the surname Lawson can be interpreted to mean the son of Law or the son of Lawrence.
History
The surname Lawson has a long and noble history in the British Isles, with records of its usage dating back to the early medieval period. The earliest references to the surname can be traced to the county of Yorkshire in northern England, where families bearing the name were prominent landowners and held positions of influence.
Over the centuries, the Lawson surname spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, carried by individuals who migrated to other regions of England, Scotland, Ireland, and even to the colonies in America. The name has continued to thrive, with numerous notable individuals bearing the surname and contributing to various fields such as politics, academia, the arts, and business.
Notable Individuals
- Nigella Lawson: a British food writer, television personality, and chef known for her popular cookbooks and TV shows.
- Henry Lawson: an Australian writer and poet, known for his works depicting life in the Australian bush.
- Dermot Lawson: a British politician who served as Member of Parliament for his constituency for over two decades.
Variants
Variants of the Lawson surname include Lawton, Laweson, and Lawrie, among others. These variations reflect the evolution of the surname over time and its adaptation to different regional accents and dialects.
In Popular Culture
The Lawson surname has also made its mark in popular culture, appearing in various works of fiction, films, and television shows. Characters bearing the surname Lawson are often portrayed as strong-willed and resourceful, reflecting the historical legacy associated with the name.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Lawson surname is a venerable and widespread British surname with a rich history and diverse range of bearers. Its origins can be traced back to medieval England, and its continued presence in society today is a testament to its enduring legacy.
There are approximately 34,224 people named Lawson in the UK. That makes it the 226th most common surname in Britain. Around 526 in a million people in Britain are named Lawson.
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
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.