Last Name Atchison

The last name Atchison is of English origin. It is derived from a habitational name, referring to someone who came from the town of Atcham in Shropshire, England. The town's name itself comes from the Old English word "ætan" meaning "at the river," combined with "ham" meaning "homestead" or "village," indicating a settlement near the river. Over time, individuals from Atcham started using "Atchison" as their surname to identify their origin or association with the town. The name Atchison is relatively less common and has spread to various parts of the English-speaking world, particularly the United States and Canada.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Atchison

The meaning and origin of the last name Atchison

The surname Atchison is of English origin and has varied spellings such as Atkinson or Atchinson. It is derived from a patronymic form of the name Atkin, which in turn is a diminutive of the name Adam. The name Adam comes from the Hebrew word "adamah," meaning "earth" or "red earth." It is one of the oldest recorded surnames in England, dating back to the 12th century. The Atchison surname has multiple possible origins. One theory suggests that it originated from a place named Atcham in Shropshire, England. Another possibility is that it originated from the medieval personal name "Adcock," a diminutive form of Adam. Over time, variations of the surname emerged and spread across different regions. Notable individuals with the surname Atchison include David Rice Atchison, a prominent American political figure who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri in the mid-19th century. Overall, the surname Atchison carries historical significance and reflects the diverse origins of English surnames.

Geographical distribution of the last name Atchison

The last name Atchison is primarily found in English-speaking countries, with the majority of individuals bearing this surname residing in the United States and Canada. In the United States, the Atchison name has a significant presence, particularly in states such as California, Texas, Missouri, and Kansas. The state of Kansas specifically holds historical significance for the Atchison surname, as it is closely associated with David Rice Atchison, a prominent political figure in the mid-19th century. Additionally, there is a notable concentration of Atchisons in the southern states, including Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Outside of North America, the surname can also be found in smaller numbers in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, reflecting the migration patterns of individuals from English-speaking countries. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Atchison is predominantly observed in North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, with smaller pockets in other English-speaking nations.

Variants and spellings of the last name Atchison

The last name Atchison has a few variations and alternative spellings. One common variation is Atkinson, where the "s" is replaced by a "k." This variation can be attributed to different phonetic pronunciations over time or regional differences. Another variation is Atchisson, where an extra "s" is inserted between the "t" and "o," possibly due to clerical errors or handwriting misinterpretations. Atcherson is another alternative spelling, where the "i" is changed to an "e" and the "s" is replaced by an "r." This variation could be a result of individual preference or dialectal influences. Lastly, the name Hutchison is sometimes considered a variation of Atchison, even though the connection may not be immediately obvious. These variations and spellings can occur due to changes in pronunciation, migration, or transcription errors throughout history. Nonetheless, despite these different forms, all share a common origin and history in their association with individuals and families.

Famous people with the last name Atchison

There seems to be limited information available on famous individuals with the last name Atchison, as it is not a widely recognized or prominent surname in the public domain. However, one notable person with the last name Atchison is David Rice Atchison. He was a prominent American politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Missouri in the mid-19th century. Atchison briefly held the position of President pro tempore of the Senate. However, his claim to fame lies in a popular myth that he was the President of the United States for one day, on March 4, 1849. This story originated from a misinterpretation of the presidential inauguration date. Despite his short-lived presidency being inaccurate, Atchison remains a curiosity of American political history. Nonetheless, it is important to note that the list of famous people with the last name Atchison may be limited and may not consist of well-known public figures beyond this point.

Genealogical research on the last name Atchison

The surname Atchison has roots in England, specifically in the county of Yorkshire. The name is derived from the Old English personal name "Atchis" or "Atten," meaning "son of Atchis" or "son of Atten." The earliest recorded instance of the name can be traced back to the late 13th century, where an individual named Robert de Atchesson is mentioned in Yorkshire's records. Over time, the spelling of the surname has evolved, with variations such as Achesoun and Achesson appearing in historical documents. In the early 17th century, individuals bearing this surname started migrating to the American colonies, particularly to Virginia. The Atchison name has since spread throughout the United States, with notable individuals like David Rice Atchison, who served as a U.S. Senator and Acting President for a single day in 1849. Today, the surname Atchison can be found in various parts of the world, representing a rich lineage with its origins firmly rooted in England.

Share the origin of your last name with your friends