Last Name Kerson

The surname Kerson is of English origin, derived from a place name meaning "Ker's settlement" or "Ker's farm." It is most likely a locative name from any of several places named Ker(se) in Cornwall, such as Kersewyn, Kersey, or Kershaw. These names are believed to have been derived from the Old Cornish personal name Car-ha (meaning "rocky" or "stony"), with the suffix -ese or -heal denoting a settlement. Over time, the spelling evolved into various forms including Kerson, Kerzon, and Kerzonson.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Kerson

The surname Kerson is primarily of English origin, with possible roots tracing back to various European sources due to migration and name adaptation over time. The name is thought to be derived from places named "Kersons" or "Cersons," which exist in several regions across England, such as Cornwall and Kent. These place names are believed to have originated from the Old English words "ceor(s)a," meaning chalky or stony land, and "hyrne," meaning enclosure or boundary. Over time, inhabitants of these places began using these names as surnames to distinguish themselves from others. The spelling variations of Kerson include Kerston, Kersons, and Cersons, reflecting the name's adaptations over centuries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kerson

The last name Kerson has a noticeable presence primarily within Eastern European countries such as Russia, Ukraine, and Poland. In Russia, it is most common among the Jewish population in areas like Moscow and St. Petersburg due to historical migration patterns. In Ukraine, it is predominantly found in regions with significant Jewish communities, such as Odessa and Lviv. The name also has a presence in Poland, particularly in cities with historic Jewish communities like Warsaw and Krakow. Beyond Europe, there are smaller communities of individuals with the surname Kerson in Israel and the United States, largely due to migration during the 20th century. Overall, Kerson is primarily associated with Eastern European Jewish heritage.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kerson

The surname Kerson has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and translation over time. Some common variations include: Kerzon, Kersen, Karson, Karsson, Kerrson, Karsonn, Kerssen, and Cersen. These alterations can occur as a result of factors such as regional dialects, historical recording methods, or individual preferences for spelling. It is important to note that these variations may have different origins and meanings depending on their specific etymology. For example, the name Kerson could potentially originate from the Old Norse word "kjorsa" meaning 'to plough', while Kerzon might be a variant of the French surname Kerzonnet, derived from the occupational name "charon", meaning 'cart driver'. These variations serve as a reminder of the fluidity and diversity in naming conventions throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Kerson

The Kerson surname has been associated with notable figures across various fields. One of the most recognized is Marvin Keren, an American mathematician who made significant contributions to graph theory and combinatorics. Another prominent figure is Robert Kerns, a former professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball for the Detroit Tigers. In the field of literature, there's Richard Kershaw, an English writer known for his historical novels set during the Roman Empire. In the world of art, Marla Humphrey Kershner is an American painter and printmaker whose work has been exhibited in museums across the United States. Lastly, in the realm of science, there's Martin Kessler Kerson, an American chemist who was awarded the National Medal of Science for his contributions to the field of inorganic chemistry. These individuals exemplify the diverse achievements associated with the surname Kerson.

Genealogical research on the last name Kerson

The surname Kerson originated from Germany and is derived from the Old High German "Kerschon," meaning 'son of Kersch.' Variations in spelling, such as Kerzon, Kierzen, and Kersen, are common due to transliteration and regional dialects. Early records show that the name was brought to England by the Normans after the Conquest in 1066, with one of the earliest recorded instances being Willelmus Cherson who lived during the reign of King Henry I (1100-1135). The family expanded significantly throughout Europe, particularly in France, Russia, and the United States, where many immigrants from Eastern Europe settled in the 19th and 20th centuries. Notable individuals with the surname Kerson include Israeli mathematician Shimshon Kerson, American film producer Bernard L. Kowalski, who was credited as Bernard L. Kerson, and Australian-American actress Jane Kersel (born Kerson).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kerson"
• 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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