Origin of the Name Stephenson

The name Stephenson is a popular surname that has been passed down through generations. It is of English origin and has evolved over time. The name has a rich history and is significant in genealogy. This article explores the origins of the name Stephenson and its significance in family history.

The name Stephenson is derived from the personal name Stephen, which is of Greek origin. The name Stephen means 'crown' or 'garland' and was a popular name in medieval England. The name was often given to boys who were born on the feast day of St. Stephen, which is celebrated on December 26th. The name Stephenson is a patronymic surname, which means that it is derived from the father's name. In this case, the name Stephenson means 'son of Stephen'.

The name Stephenson is most commonly found in England, particularly in the northern counties of Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland. It is also found in Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. According to the 2010 United States Census, there were over 100,000 people with the surname Stephenson in the United States. The name is also found in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

There have been many famous people throughout history with the name Stephenson. Some of the most notable include: 1. George Stephenson - a British civil engineer and inventor who is credited with building the first public railway line in the world. 2. Robert Louis Stevenson - a Scottish novelist and poet who is best known for his works 'Treasure Island' and 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. 3. Adlai E. Stevenson - an American politician who served as the 31st Governor of Illinois and was the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States in 1952 and 1956. 4. Neal Stephenson - an American author who is best known for his science fiction novels, including 'Snow Crash' and 'The Diamond Age'. 5. Pamela Stephenson - a New Zealand-born actress and comedian who is best known for her work on the British television show 'Not the Nine O'Clock News'.

The coat of arms and crest of the name Stephenson features a shield with three silver escallops on a blue background. The escallops represent pilgrimage and are a symbol of the Crusades. The crest features a silver lion holding a gold key, which represents strength and authority. The motto of the Stephenson family is 'Pro rege et patria', which means 'For king and country'.

The name Stephenson has a rich history and is of English origin. It is a patronymic surname that means 'son of Stephen'. The name is most commonly found in England, particularly in the northern counties of Yorkshire, Durham, and Northumberland. There have been many famous people throughout history with the name Stephenson, including George Stephenson, Robert Louis Stevenson, and Adlai E. Stevenson. The coat of arms and crest of the name Stephenson features a shield with three silver escallops on a blue background and a silver lion holding a gold key. The motto of the Stephenson family is 'Pro rege et patria', which means 'For king and country'.