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Last Name Wasson

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What is the origin of the last name Wasson?

The surname "Wasson" is of English origin, derived from a place name meaning "the dairy farm." It is derived from either the Old English "waes" (dairy) and "hus" (farm), or the Norman French "vas" (dairy) and "son," indicating someone who lived at a dairy farm. The name first appeared as Wasse, Was, and Wassone in the Domesday Book of 1086, and later variations include Wason, Wassan, and Wasonne.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wasson

The meaning and origin of the last name Wasson

The surname Wasson is an English and French name of Norman origin. It's derived from the Old French "Wasse," which means "goose" or "wild goose." This name was often used as a metonymic occupational name for someone who raised geese, or a topographic name for someone who lived near a place where geese were found. The surname Wasson is also found in France and Belgium. Variations of the name include Was, Wasse, Waissel, Wasseville, Wassing, Wassen, and Wasson.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wasson

The surname Wasson has a significant presence in various regions worldwide, with its origins traced back to England and France. In England, it is most frequent in areas such as Yorkshire and Lancashire, reflecting its historical roots. In the United States, the name is particularly common in states like California, Texas, and Missouri, due to migration patterns from England and Ireland during the 19th century. Additionally, notable populations can be found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, again as a result of colonial expansion and subsequent immigration waves. In France, Wasson is less prevalent compared to its English-speaking counterparts but can still be found primarily in regions bordering Germany, such as Alsace. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Wasson is indicative of global migration patterns throughout history, particularly during the Industrial Revolution and subsequent colonial expansion.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wasson

The surname Wasson has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional dialects over time. Some common variations include Wasen, Wason, Wassan, Wassen, and Wauson. These variations may occur due to factors such as misspellings, phonetic changes, or assimilation into local linguistic patterns. Additionally, the name can also be found with different suffixes or prefixes, such as McWasson (a Scottish variation) or O'Wasson (an Irish variation). The original etymology of the name is uncertain, but it may derive from Old English, Old Norse, or Welsh roots.

Famous people with the last name Wasson

Notable individuals with the surname Wasson include:

1. R. Gordon Wasson (1908-2001), an American ethnobotanist, writer and banker, known for his exploration of psychedelic mushrooms in Mexico.

2. Valentina Wasson (born 1935), a British children's author who has written over 60 books under her birth name, Valentina Gómez-Wasson.

3. Albert Hofmann (1906-2008), a Swiss chemist not born with the last name Wasson but often associated due to his work on LSD, which was inspired by R. Gordon Wasson's research into psychedelic mushrooms. Although Hofmann did not share the surname, his collaboration with Wasson contributed significantly to the field of psychedelics.

These individuals have made significant contributions across various fields such as ethnobotany, children's literature, and chemistry.

Genealogical research on the last name Wasson

The surname Wasson is of Old English origin, derived from the given names "Wace" or "Watson," meaning 'son of Wada' or 'son of Walter.' Early records show the name was documented as Wacheson (1296 in the Assize Rolls of Yorkshire), Wathesson (1379 in Poll Tax Records of Yorkshire), and Wasson (1548 in Ipomdefit's Land Survey).

Throughout history, notable individuals bearing the name include John Wasson (died 1640), an English Puritan who was a founder of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; Sir Henry Wasson, 2nd Baronet (1753-1828), a British Member of Parliament and Lord Mayor of London; and Frederick Wasson (1901-1986), an American ethnobotanist known for his work with hallucinogenic mushrooms.

Today, the most common locations where the Wasson family can be found are in England, the United States, Canada, and Australia, with concentrations in Yorkshire, Lancashire, London, California, and Ontario.

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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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