Last Name Everson

The surname Everson is of English origin and it belongs to a category of surnames called locative names. Locative names derive from places - real or imaginary, topographical landmarks, or bodies of water. In this case, the name Everson is derived from a place named Everesonne, which was located near London in Essex County. The name Everesonne meant "the farmstead associated with the family named Aefra's son." The Old English elements "æfer" (Æfras) mean 'aefter', 'after' or 'descendant of' and "sunu" (sunu) means 'son'. So, Everson can be interpreted as "the farmstead of Aefra's son". Over time, the spelling evolved from Everesonne to Evereson and eventually to Everson.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Everson

The meaning and origin of the last name Everson

The surname Everson originates from Old English roots, specifically "Eofor" (boar) and "son" (son), which together mean "boarson" or "little wild boar." Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms such as Everisson, Evereson, and Everison before settling on Everson in modern times. The name is predominantly found in England, particularly in the counties of Devon and Somerset, suggesting an early origin in those regions. Throughout history, several notable figures bearing the surname Everson have emerged, further contributing to its recognition and dissemination globally.

Geographical distribution of the last name Everson

The surname Everson is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, with significant concentrations in England and the United States. In England, it is most prevalent in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire, reflecting its Anglo-Saxon roots. In the United States, the highest frequency of the surname can be found in states like California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois, likely due to immigration from England during colonial times and subsequent population growth. The name has also been found in small numbers in other English-speaking countries such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, often through migration from the United States or directly from England.

Variants and spellings of the last name Everson

The surname Everson can be found with various spelling variations, reflecting differences in pronunciation and transcription over time. Some common variants include Everson, Evertson, Eversen, Everison, Evertsen, and Evenson. These variations may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, historical recording practices, or individual preference. Regardless of the specific spelling, all these forms of the name are derived from Old English elements meaning "yew tree" (efes) and "son" (sunu).

Famous people with the last name Everson

Notable individuals bearing the surname Everson include:

1. John Everson, an American author known for his horror and erotica novels such as "NightWhere" and "Siren."
2. Bill Everson, an influential American film critic, poet, and jazz historian. He wrote extensively about avant-garde cinema.
3. Darnell Everson, a professional American football player who played for the St. Louis Rams, San Diego Chargers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the National Football League (NFL).
4. Marvin Everson, a former professional baseball player who spent time with several Major League Baseball teams, including the Chicago White Sox, Montreal Expos, and Cincinnati Reds.
5. Clarence Everson Jr., also known as Spoonjack, an American artist known for his unique sculptures made from reclaimed materials found in New Orleans' streets and neighborhoods.

Genealogical research on the last name Everson

The surname Everson is of English origin and is derived from the Old English personal name "Eoforwine" which translates to "wolf-friend." The name emerged as a separate surname during the High Middle Ages, a period when England's population growth increased and people began to identify themselves with occupational names or regional nicknames. Over time, various spellings of Everson emerged due to scribal interpretation, such as Everson, Evanson, and Evenston. The name is most prevalent in England and the United States, particularly in regions where English settlers migrated, like New England and the Mid-Atlantic states. Notable individuals with the surname Everson include Sir William Everson, a medieval knight, and Jimmie Everson, an American basketball player. The family's genealogical records can be traced through various archives, including parish records, census data, and immigration documents.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Everson"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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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