Surname Jonson - Meaning and Origin
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Jonson: What does the surname Jonson mean?
The surname Jonson is of Scandinavian origins, primarily from the Nordic countries of Sweden, Norway and Denmark. The traditional meaning of the surname Jonson is ‘son of John’. This suggests that the original bearer of the name was the son of a man named John. The suffix ‘son’ is an epithet rather than a literal meaning, indicating a familial relationship with another, often older person. It is one of the oldest and most popular of English surnames, particularly in the North and Midlands of England.
Johnsons are common in many parts of the world including Europe, North America and Australia. It is a popular modern surname amongst the English, as well as the Scandinavian immigrants who settled in England and across the rest of the world. It is also fairly common amongst northern Europeans, although its frequency varies between countries.
In addition to the traditional meaning of 'son of John', other interpretations include 'John's child', or 'descendant of John'. Jonson can also refer to a place or area associated with John in some way, sometimes the meaning of the name has become so diluted that the origin is forgotten.
In terms of personal character, those with the surname Jonson are often said to have a strong sense of loyalty and dedication to family. The name is associated with strong work ethics and loyalty towards others. Many with the surname Jonson retain their national or Scandinavian roots, with much pride.
In conclusion, the last name Jonson is of Scandinavian origin, meaning ‘son of John’ and is used mainly by the people of Europe, North America and Australia. It can be associated with loyalty and a strong work ethic.
Order DNA origin analysisJonson: Where does the name Jonson come from?
The last name Jonson is most commonly found in Sweden, Norway, and the United States. In Sweden, it is the 11th most popular name, with more than 26,400 people sharing the name. In Norway, it is the 18th most popular name, with just over 6,600 people having it. In the United States, it is much less common, but still ranks in the top 8,000, with around 8,300 people with that name.
In Sweden, the name Jonson is derived from the patronymic surname Johnsson, which means "son of John." As a result, this name is closely linked to Christianity in the region. In Norway, the surname Jonson was brought to the country by immigrants from Sweden during the 1800s and early 1900s. It is also associated with the practice of farm naming; families might take their name from the farm that they owned.
In the US, the name Jonson is most commonly found among African Americans. Records show that African Americans bearing this name were living in Tennessee in 1798. Their names may have been derived from slaveholders, since slave holders often named their slaves after them.
The exact origin of the surname Jonson will not be known for certain, but it is clear that it has been common in Scandinavia for centuries and, with the growth of international migration, is now found in other regions, as well.
Variations of the surname Jonson
The surname Jonson is a patronymic surname, derived from the given name "John." As such, it has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variants of the surname Jonson include Jonson, Johnsen, Johnson, Jonsson, Jansson, and Johnsson. Less common variants to consider are Johansen, Johannson, Johns, Johnsan, Jovanovic, and Jonsen.
In some cases, the spelling of Jonson may be changed to reflect a particular region of origin or language, such as Gianeson in Italy and Janzon in Germany. The surname may also be anglicized, which may yield alternate spellings like Jones, Johns, or Johnstone.
Less common surnames related to Jonson are Johannson, Johnasson, Johnsonas, Johnsonis, and Johneson. Some Irish variants of the surname include Johnstone, Johnston, Jonstone, and Joneson.
Jonson is also one of many variant forms of the Irish surname McJones, MacIongáin (“MacShone”), Anglicized from the Irish phrases "Mac Seain" and "Mac Seagháin," meaning “son of John.”
In short, the surname Jonson is incredibly common and widely varied in its spellings. Numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin exist, making it likely that many people with very different surnames may still be related.
Famous people with the name Jonson
- Anna Jonson: Swedish artist
- Samuel Jonson: English poet and playwright
- Sir Robert Jonson: English knight and politician
- Lady Mary Jonson: English noblewoman
- Christopher Jonson: English painter
- Jamie Jonson: Australian rugby league footballer
- Emma Jonson: American actress
- Lisa Jonson: American model
- Richard Jonson: American writer
- Laura Jonson: American singer/songwriter
- Dave Jonson: American actor
- Janica Jonson: American chef
- Tayari Jonson: American basketball player
- Hamish Jonson: British Formula 1 driver
- Sol Jonson: Canadian actor
- Jill Jonson: Canadian golfer
- Justin Jonson: Canadian musician
- Matt Jonson: Canadian entrepreneur
- Tamara Jonson: Canadian advocate, psychologist, and consultant
- Tom Jonson: Danish cricketer