Penson

The surname "Penson" is of English origin, derived from the medieval personal name "Penn", which is of Old English and Welsh roots. The name was used as a byname or pet form of the given name "Penda", meaning "penny" or "head", as well as derived from the Welsh "ap Einion", translating to "son of Einion".

The first recordings of the surname date back to the early 13th century, with variations such as "Pen", "Penny", and "Penn" found in medieval records. Over time, the name evolved to "Penson" as a patronymic translation. The surname is most commonly found in the West Midlands and South Wales regions of the United Kingdom.

Notable individuals with the surname Penson include Thomas W. Penson (1818-64), a renowned Welsh architect known for his Gothic Revival style designs, and John Penson (1781-1847), an English businessman and philanthropist.

The Penson family crest features a shield with distinctive symbols such as lions, eagles, and crosses, reflecting the traditional heraldic elements of British coat of arms.

Today, the surname Penson is relatively rare but carries a rich history and heritage, symbolising the diverse origins and evolution of British surnames over the centuries.

There are approximately 653 people named Penson in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Penson.

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

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Blake
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Graham
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carole
  • Christina
  • Christine
  • Dawn
  • Elizabeth
  • Hannah
  • Julie
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sally
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie
  • Wendy

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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