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Last Name Amberson

What is the origin of the last name Amberson?

The last name Amberson is of English origin. It is a habitational surname derived from the Old English personal name "Æðelbeorht" and the word "tun", meaning "settlement" or "enclosure", indicating a person who lived near a settlement or farmstead belonging to someone named Æðelbeorht.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Amberson

The meaning and origin of the last name Amberson

The surname Amberson is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Old French name "Ambroise," which means "immortal" or "divine." The name may have been brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. Over time, variations of the name such as Amberson, Emberson, and Imber have emerged. The surname Amberson is primarily found in the United States, particularly in states with strong English immigrant populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Amberson

The last name Amberson is primarily found in the United States, with the highest concentration in the state of Pennsylvania. It is also present in smaller numbers in states such as Ohio, California, and Texas. Outside of the US, the name is less common but can be found in countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom.

Variants and spellings of the last name Amberson

The variations and spellings of the last name Amberson include Ambersen, Ambersonne, Ambroson, Ambursen, Amborson, Ambersun, Ambason, and Ambersin.

Famous people with the last name Amberson

1. Orson Welles
2. Booth Tarkington
3. Tim Amberson
4. Owen Amberson
5. Matt Amberson

Genealogical research on the last name Amberson

The last name Amberson has English and Scottish origins. It is believed to be a habitational surname derived from the name of the village of Amberson in England. The surname Amberson can be traced back to the early 13th century in the historical records. One of the first recorded instances of the name is a William Ambreson, who was noted in the Subsidy Rolls of Yorkshire in 1297.

Over the centuries, the Amberson surname has spread to various English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the United States, the Amberson surname is most commonly found in states such as Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

There are several notable individuals with the last name Amberson, including American playwright and novelist Booth Tarkington, who wrote the novel "The Magnificent Ambersons." The Amberson surname has also been linked to prominent figures in politics, academia, and the arts.

Overall, the genealogical research on the last name Amberson indicates a rich history and widespread distribution among English-speaking populations.

Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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