STEVENSON
Stevenson
Origin and Meaning: Stevenson is a common surname of British origin that is derived from the personal name "Steven," itself derived from the Greek name "Stephanos," meaning "crown" or "garland." The addition of "son" at the end indicates "son of Steven," making Stevenson a patronymic surname.
History and Distribution: The surname Stevenson is predominantly found in England and Scotland, with historical records indicating its presence throughout the British Isles. It is believed to have originated in medieval England and Scotland, where it was commonly used to designate the son of a man named Steven or Stephen.
Notable Bearers:
- Robert Louis Stevenson: A well-known Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, famous for works such as "Treasure Island" and "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."
- Adlai E. Stevenson II: An American politician who served as the 31st Governor of Illinois and was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in 1952 and 1956.
- Percy B. Shelley: While not bearing the exact surname "Stevenson," Percy Bysshe Shelley was married to Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, the author of "Frankenstein." Their son, Sir Percy Florence Shelley, married Jane Gibson, who later became Jane Gibson Stevenson.
Variants and Derivatives: Variants of the Stevenson surname include Stephenson, Steven, Stephens, and Steffan, among others. These variations often arose from different pronunciations or regional dialects.
Coat of Arms: The Stevenson family crest typically features common heraldic symbols such as lions, crowns, and crosses, signifying courage, leadership, and faith.
Modern Usage: Today, the surname Stevenson remains a widely used and recognized name, with bearers found across various professions and areas of society. It continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a link to the rich history and heritage of British culture.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland.
There are approximately 42,250 people named Stevenson in the UK. That makes it the 172nd most common surname in Britain. Around 649 in a million people in Britain are named Stevenson.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Jane
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Stanson
- Steanson
- Steaphenson
- Steavenson
- Steaveson
- Steavinson
- Steensen
- Steenson
- Steevenson
- Stefancin
- Stefaniszyn
- Stefansson
- Stefanyszyn
- Steffanson
- Steffensen
- Steffenson
- Stehenson
- Steinson
- Steinsson
- Stenson
- Stensson
- Stepehenson
- Stepehnson
- Stepenson
- Stephansen
- Stephanson
- Stephen
- Stephens
- Stephensen
- Stephenson
- Stephensons
- Stephensson
- Stephenton
- Stephinson
- Stephnson
- Stephonson
- Steppenson
- Stevans
- Stevanson
- Steven
- Stevenes
- Steveni
- Stevenin
- Stevens
- Stevensen
- Stevensone
- Stevensons
- Stevenston
- Steventen
- Steventon
- Stevents
- Steverson
- Steveson
- Stevevson
- Stevinson
- Stevison
- Stevnson
- Stevonson
- Stevson
- Stienson
- Stivanson
- Stivenson
- Stivinson
- Stphenson
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.