Surname Manson - Meaning and Origin

Influences of iGENEA DNA Test on Personal Identity & Heritage: A Manson's Perspective

Recently, I engaged in the fascinating world of DNA testing through iGENEA, eager to delve into my lineage. Rooted to my last name 'Manson', I yearned to explore its implications. This process provided unexpected layers of understanding, altering my view of personal identity and heritage.

H. Manson

Manson: What does the surname Manson mean?

The surname Manson has its origins in Scotland and Northern England. It is a patronymic derivation of the given name Magnus, which means "great" in Latin. Over time, "Magnus' son" was shortened to "Manson." In ancient times, Magnus was a popular name as it was associated with the Viking invaders who had it, so the surname Manson is particularly common in areas of Viking influence. Thus, the last name Manson suggests a lineage descending from a person named Magnus, likely a strong and influential figure. Patronymic surnames often point to a male ancestor and were common in societies characterized by patronymic and occupational markers. Notably, like many surnames, the exact meaning can vary based on regional variations and historical contexts. Lastly, the surname Manson also gained significant attention because of the infamous Charles Manson, an American criminal and cult leader. However, the notoriety of a person bearing the surname does not reflect on its historical origin or meaning.

Manson: Where does the name Manson come from?

The surname Manson is of Scottish origin. It is derived from the patronymic form of the personal name Magnus, which means "mighty" in Latin. The name Magnus was popular in Norway and was brought to Scotland by the Vikings during their invasions in the early middle ages. It then evolved into "Manson," meaning "son of Magnus."

However, the name also has a Scandinavian origin. In Danish and Norwegian, "Manson" is an anglicized form of Månsson or Månssøn, meaning "son of Måns" (Moon’s son).

As for its prevalence today, the last name Manson is quite common in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. In Scotland, particularly in the Northern Isles and the Shetland Islands, the name remains prevalent because of the strong historic links with Scandinavia. However, due to global migration patterns, you may find people bearing the surname Manson in many countries across the world. It's important to note that not all Mansons are related, as different families could have independently adopted or been assigned the same surname.

Variations of the surname Manson

The surname Manson has been passed down through generations, being subjected to many shifts in spelling and regional variations. Among these are Manston, Monson, Munson, Munsen, Muncan, Muncen, Mancen, Muncun, and Mancun are considered variations of Manson.

Moreover, the surname Manson also can result from the contraction or anglicization of longer, often Gaelic or Scottish surnames. For instance, MacMhannaìn, from Scotland, is often shortened or anglicized to Manson.

There are also regional or dialectal differences that can result in different spellings of the name, such as in Norse where the name would be spelled as "Magnusson" or "Magneson", denoting "son of Magnus". It's also worth noting that name expansions, such as Manston-Campbell or Manson-Smith, have occurred in instances of marriage or family blending.

Surnypames of foreign origin but with similar sound or meaning may also be Anglicised to Manson, or vice versa. For example, German surname Mannsohn, Dutch surname Mansen and Danish surname Mandsen can be anglicised to Manson. Some hold that "Manson" might be the anglicization of Swedish surname Månsson or Finnish surname Mansikka. All these create a large network of related surnames interconnected through lineage, geography and history.

Famous people with the name Manson

• Charles Manson: Infamous American criminal and cult leader of the Manson Family in the late 1960s.
• Marilyn Manson: American musician, songwriter, and actor known for his controversial stage presence and image as the lead singer of the band of the same name.
• Shirley Manson: Scottish musician and actress, best known as the lead vocalist of the alternative rock band Garbage.
• Charles Milles Manson, Jr. who later changed his name to Jay White: Eldest son of infamous criminal Charles Manson.
• Charles Luther Manson: Half-brother to Charles Manson, Jr. and second son of Charles Manson.
• Valentine Michael Manson, also known as Michael Brunner: Third and youngest son of Charles Manson.
• Barbara Hoyt Manson: Former member of the Manson Family, who later became a key witness against the group in their 1971 trial.
• Jeane Manson: American model, singer, and actress who was Playboy magazine's Miss October 1974.
• Danny Keough, whose real name is Danny Benjamin Manson Keogh: American musician and the first husband of Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis Presley’s daughter.
• Marilyn Monroe Manson, whose real name is Brian Hugh Warner Manson: American musician and actor. His stage name is formed from the names of two American cultural icons, actress Marilyn Monroe and cult leader Charles Manson.

Other surnames

MansoorMansooriMansourMansouriMansoury