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Last Name Ivison

What is the origin of the last name Ivison?

The surname Ivison is of Scottish origin and is derived from the place name Iverson in the county of Aberdeen. It is believed to have been originally a nickname for someone who came from that place or was a devotee of a local saint named Ivo, although there is no clear evidence to confirm this. The name is also found as Ivison and Evanson in various regions of Scotland and Northern England.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Ivison

The meaning and origin of the last name Ivison

The surname Iveson (alternatively spelled as Ivison) is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the given name Ivo or Yves, which means "yew tree" in Old French and was brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066. The surname Iveson, however, is believed to have been formed by adding the diminutive suffix "-son" to the personal name Ivo or Yves, which means "little Yves." This practice of adding "-son" or "-sson" was common during the Middle Ages in Europe and helped distinguish family members from one another. The surname Iveson is found predominantly in Scotland and England, with variations such as Ives, Ivison, and Ivens existing due to spelling changes over time and regional dialects.

Geographical distribution of the last name Ivison

The surname Ivenson is predominantly found in Scotland and northern England, particularly in areas such as Lanarkshire, Ayrshire, and Dumfriesshire in Scotland, and Cumbria, Durham, and Northumberland in England. It is also present in smaller numbers in other parts of the United Kingdom, as well as in Northern Ireland, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. The name is believed to be a variant of the Scottish name MacIver or MacIveiston, which are Gaelic patronymics derived from the personal name Ivor. Over time, it has been anglicized into various forms, including Iveson, Ivison, and Iverson.

Variants and spellings of the last name Ivison

The surname Ivison can be found with various spelling variations due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include Iveson, Iveson-Porter, Iveson-Lewis, Iverson, Ivenson, Ivison-Morris, Ivison-Roberts, Ivinson, and Ivansen. These variations may have arisen from regional dialects, errors in recording, or changes in family preferences over the years. The original source of the name is believed to be a nickname for someone who was a son of Ivo or Yves, both being medieval French forms of the name Ivan or John. It's important to note that these variations can make it challenging to trace family history, but they also provide interesting insights into the evolution of surnames and their regional distribution over time.

Famous people with the last name Ivison

Notable individuals with the surname Ivison include:

1. Peter Ivison (born 1947), British philosopher known for his work on philosophical logic and ethics.
2. John Ivison (born 1968), Canadian journalist and political columnist, currently working for the National Post.
3. Alasdair Ivison (born 1970), Scottish pianist and conductor who has performed with various orchestras worldwide.
4. David Ivison (political scientist) (1929-2016), American political scientist, author, and expert on international relations theory.
5. Thomas Ivison (1838-1897), Canadian farmer, lawyer, and politician who served as the 11th Premier of Manitoba from 1888 to 1892.
6. Drew Ivison (born 1960), American musician who co-founded the alternative rock band Fugazi in 1987.
7. Iain Ivison (born 1954), Scottish journalist and author, known for his work as a sports correspondent for BBC Scotland.
8. Jamie Ivison (born 1993), Canadian ice hockey player who has played professionally for the St. John's IceCaps, Chicago Wolves, and San Diego Gulls.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as philosophy, journalism, music, politics, and sports.

Genealogical research on the last name Ivison

The surname Ivison originates from Scotland and is of Norman-French origin. It is derived from the personal name "Yves," which is itself a variant of the Hebrew name "Eve," meaning "life." The name was introduced into Scotland by the Normans in the 12th century, becoming common in the Lothian and Borders regions. One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was William Iveson, who lived in the late 13th century. The spelling of the surname has evolved over time, with variations including Iveson, Ivesen, and Ivenson, among others. Notable figures bearing the name include John Iveson, a Scottish merchant who emigrated to Pennsylvania in the 18th century, and John Ivison Fraser, a Canadian journalist and author in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The name remains relatively rare but is found throughout English-speaking countries today, particularly in Scotland and North America.

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 : 29 July 2025

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