What is the origin of the last name Evason?

The surname "Evans" is of Welsh origin and derives from the Old Welsh personal name "Eufryd Wyn", meaning "joyful friend". Over time, it evolved into "Ap Efan", which means "son of Euan", and eventually became simplified to just "Evans". The name first appeared in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Apheus" or "Eues". It is a common surname in Wales and has been taken to England, Ireland, North America, Australia, and New Zealand due to migration.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Evason

The meaning and origin of the last name Evason

The surname Evason is primarily associated with Ireland and England, although it may also be found in other English-speaking countries due to migration over time. It is believed to be an Anglicized form of several Gaelic names, the most common being O'Eoghasaín, derived from the Gaelic elements "eóg" meaning yoke or harness and "sáin" meaning property or land. Thus, Evason could have originally meant 'descendant of the owner of the yoke'.

Over time, due to cultural assimilation and name simplification processes during the Anglo-Norman period in Ireland, various spellings emerged, including Eavenson, Evanson, and Evison. The surname's distribution is relatively concentrated in the counties of Tipperary, Cork, and Waterford in Ireland, reflecting its origins. In England, it can be found mainly in areas with historical links to Irish settlers, such as Lancashire and Cheshire.

Geographical distribution of the last name Evason

The surname Evason is predominantly found in Ireland and England, with significant concentrations in both countries. In Ireland, it's most prevalent in counties Mayo, Galway, and Roscommon, which are situated in the west of the country. It's thought to originate from the Irish sept O'Fathaigh, who were chieftains in the barony of Burrishoole in County Mayo. In England, it's particularly common in the regions of London and Yorkshire, likely due to migration patterns over time. The name also appears in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States, where Irish and English immigrants have settled historically.

Variants and spellings of the last name Evason

The surname Evanson has multiple variants and spellings due to transcription errors over time, regional differences, and individual preferences. Some of these variants include Evanston, Evenston, Eavanson, Evanson, and even Evansen or Evansun in some cases. Each of these variations may have originated from a specific historical context or geographical location, but they all share the common root of being derived from the given name "Evan." The original source for this name is believed to be the Welsh form "Efan," which means "little wolf" in Old Welsh. Despite these variations, all forms of the surname Evanson are generally considered to be derivatives of each other and share a common origin.

Famous people with the last name Evason

Notable individuals with the surname Evanson include:

1. John Evanson (1735-1803), English antiquary and topographer. He is known for his works on Norfolk and Suffolk, including 'The History and Antiquities of the Deanery of Thetford' and 'An Historical Account of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.'

2. Robert Evanson (1906-1985), a British actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows from the 1930s to the 1970s, including 'The Third Man' and 'Doctor Who.'

3. Tim Evanson (born 1982), an American professional football player who played for teams such as the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks in the National Football League (NFL). He was a tight end and won Super Bowl XL with the Seahawks.

4. Toni Evanson (born 1960), a South African-born New Zealand actress, best known for her roles in television series like 'Shortland Street' and 'Outrageous Fortune.'

Genealogical research on the last name Evason

The Evason surname is of English origin, believed to have derived from the Old Norse given name "Auss" or "Oss," which was Anglicized as "Eauson." The surname's earliest records date back to the late 12th century in England, with one Ralph Euson appearing in the Pipe Rolls of Northumberland in 1198. Over the centuries, various spellings have arisen due to the translation and transcription errors inherent in early handwritten documents, including Asson, Ayson, Aisoun, Eisson, Evesson, and Euson. Notable individuals bearing this surname include Sir Richard Evanson, a prominent figure during the English Civil War, and Sir John Evelyn-Evanson, a British lawyer and politician in the 18th century. The Evason family is primarily found in England's northeast, particularly Northumberland and Durham, although scattered records also exist in Scotland and Ireland due to historical migrations.

Last name distribution maps

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NomOrigine Team
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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.

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