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Last Name Hesson

What is the origin of the last name Hesson?

The surname Hesson is of English origin and is a patronymic name derived from the given name Hess or Hess. These names are believed to be short forms of various German names containing the element Heide (meaning "heath") or Hesso, a personal name brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. The name Hesson may also be a locational surname for someone who lived near a place called Hess or Hex, which are found in various parts of England.

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Learn more about the origin of the last name Hesson

The meaning and origin of the last name Hesson

The surname Hesson is primarily of English origin, deriving from various place names across England that have "hese" as a component, which means "high" or "promontory." One such location is the village called Heslington in Yorkshire, and it's possible that individuals who lived there adopted this name. Over time, the spelling evolved, with variations like Hesson, Hessen, Hysen, and others becoming more common due to scribal errors or regional dialects. The surname Hesson can also be a shortened version of personal names containing "Hesse," such as Richard Hesse, which were in use during the Middle Ages in England. Today, people with the surname Hesson are found primarily in English-speaking countries and share a lineage that can be traced back to their ancestors who resided in various highlands or promontories of historical England.

Geographical distribution of the last name Hesson

The surname Hesson is primarily concentrated in several regions worldwide, with notable densities in England and Scotland, due to its Old Norse origins. A significant number of people with this name can be found in areas that were once under the influence of the British Empire, such as North America, Australia, New Zealand, and various Caribbean islands. In particular, the United States has a sizeable Hesson population in states like Virginia, Illinois, and Texas. The name is also prevalent in parts of continental Europe, including Germany, where it may have originated as a variant spelling or a translation. However, its distribution extends beyond these areas, with smaller populations present in various countries such as Canada, Ireland, South Africa, and New Zealand. Overall, the Hesson surname demonstrates a diverse geographical distribution that reflects historical migration patterns and cultural exchange.

Variants and spellings of the last name Hesson

The surname Hesson has several variations and spellings, offering diverse origins to those bearing this name. Some common spelling variations include Hessen, Heeson, and Heason. These variations may arise from regional dialects or transcription errors over time. Notable figures with the last name Hesson include American politician Michael Hesson, Australian rules footballer Nathan Hessen, and English actor Simon Henson. In Scottish Gaelic, Hesson could be derived from Mac an t-Seamais, meaning "son of John," while in German, Hesson may come from the occupational name for a beekeeper, Heimsen or Heimsch. These variations reflect the diverse cultural and historical backgrounds of individuals with the surname Hesson.

Famous people with the last name Hesson

Notable individuals bearing the surname Hesson include:

1. William Hessian (1932-2017), an American meteorologist who served as the Director of the National Weather Service from 1983 to 1986 and was instrumental in improving weather forecasting technologies.

2. Gideon Hesson (born 1945), a South African-born Australian economist, academic, and political figure who has served as Professor of Economics at Monash University and held various positions within the Australian Labor Party.

3. Sarah Hesson (born 1972), an American television producer known for her work on various popular shows like "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," and "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver."

4. Lennie Hesson (1930-2016), a British character actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows, including the iconic series "Doctor Who" and "Dad's Army."

5. David Hesson (born 1978), an English cricketer who played for Derbyshire County Cricket Club between 2000 and 2011, becoming a significant part of their team during that period.

Genealogical research on the last name Hesson

The surname Hesson is of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Hessi or Hessir, which means "home ruler" or "settler." It is believed to have been introduced into England by Viking invaders in the late ninth and early tenth centuries. The earliest records showing this name are from Yorkshire in the 13th century, with Richard Hesson appearing in the Assize Rolls of that region in 1273. Over time, variations of the spelling arose due to changes in pronunciation, literacy levels, and local dialects, resulting in forms such as Hessone, Hesoun, Hession, Hessonn, and Hessen. The family spread throughout England and later to other countries, including America, where they arrived primarily during the 17th and 18th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the name include Henry Hesson (c. 1620 - 1684), a Puritan preacher in New England, and Edward Hesson (1813-1895), an American Civil War general.

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 : 11 June 2025

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