Show ContentsRichardson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Richardson Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Richardson

What does the name Richardson mean?

The name Richardson was brought to England in the great wave of migration following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It comes from the Old German name "Ricard," meaning "powerful" and "brave." 1 The suffix "son" was added to denote "son of Richard."

Early Origins of the Richardson family

The surname Richardson was first found in Cheshire in 1067 where they were descended from Hugh d'Avranche, Earl Lupus of Chester. His descendant, William Belwood, Lord of Malpas in Cheshire, had two sons, David and Richard. Richard's grandson John was the first to bear the name Richardson.

Years later the Yorkshire Poll Tax records revealed William Richardson in 1381 and further north in Scotland, Thome filius Ricardi held a charter of the barony of Symundestone in Lanark c. 1315-1321. A few years later, Laurence filius Ricardi was a tenant of the Earl of Douglas in Louchurde in 1376. Murdac Richardesson, a Scottish merchant complained the English had sunk his vessel during a truce in 1359. 2

Richardson is "essentially a northern England name, extending across the border into Dumfriesshire, and also, but to a less extent, characteristic of most of the east coast counties as far south as Kent and Sussex. The counties of Cumberland, Westmoreland, Durham, Northumberland, and the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire contain the greatest number of the name." 3

Early History of the Richardson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Richardson research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1569, 1572, 1576, 1580, 1594, 1600, 1603, 1606, 1618, 1624, 1625, 1627, 1628, 1635, 1642, 1651, 1654, 1660, 1664, 1667, 1674, 1679, 1682, 1686, 1688, 1689, 1690, 1693, 1698, 1714, 1715, 1737, 1747, 1753, 1755, 1761, 1820 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Richardson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Richardson Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Richardson, Richerson, Richarson and others.

Early Notables of the Richardson family

  • Dame Elizabeth Richardson, 1st Lady Cramond (1576-1651), English writer whose peerage was created for her in 1628; Sir Thomas Richardson (1569-1635), Chief Justice of the King's Bench; Thomas Richards...
  • Christopher Richardson (1618-1698), was an English nonconformist divine who appears to have been born at Sheriff Hutton, Yorkshire. Gabriel Richardson (died 1642), was and English author from Lincolns...
  • John Richardson (1667-1753), English Quaker, son of William Richardson (1624-1679) of North Cave, Yorkshire were both often fined and imprisoned for their teachings
  • Samuel Richardson (1689-1761) was an English novelist; and Richard Richardson (c. 1664-1714), was an English politician, Member of Parliament for Ipswich (1714-1715.)

Richardson World Ranking

the United States, the name Richardson is the 63rd most popular surname with an estimated 278,544 people with that name. 4 However, in Canada, the name Richardson is ranked the 157th most popular surname with an estimated 22,150 people with that name. 5 And in Australia, the name Richardson is the 76th popular surname with an estimated 31,622 people with that name. 6 New Zealand ranks Richardson as 109th with 3,915 people. 7 The United Kingdom ranks Richardson as 60th with 73,247 people. 8

Migration of the Richardson family to Ireland

Some of the Richardson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 105 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Richardson migration to the United States +



Richardson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • William Richardson, who landed in Virginia in 1623 aboard the ship "Edwine" 10
  • Ezekiel Richardson, of Hertfordshire who arrived who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Ambrose" as part of the Winthrop Fleet, found in Charlestown. 10
  • Samuel Richardson, who landed in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1630 10
  • Thomas Richardson, who landed in Charlestown, Massachusetts in 1630 10
  • Mrs. Susanna Richardson who arrived in Salem, Massachusetts in 1630 aboard the ship "Ambrose" as part of the Winthrop Fleet, found in Charlestown 11
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Richardson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • John Richardson, who arrived in Maryland in 1700-1701 10
  • John Richardson, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 10
  • Sara Richardson, who arrived in Virginia in 1703 10
  • John Richardson, who landed in Virginia in 1705 10
  • Roger Richardson, who arrived in Virginia in 1714 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Richardson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • John Richardson, who landed in New York in 1801 10
  • Samuel Richardson, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1803 10
  • Nathaniel Richardson, who arrived in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1803 10
  • Jonathan Richardson, who landed in Allegany (Allegheny) County, Pennsylvania in 1803 10
  • John Richardson, who landed in America in 1807 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Richardson migration to Canada +

Richardson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • James Richardson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
  • Philip Richardson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • Edward Richardson, who was a soldier of St. John's, Newfoundland in 1756 12
  • Christ Richardson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1774
  • John Richardson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1774
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Richardson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Thomas Richardson, who landed in Canada in 1815
  • Ellen Richardson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1829
  • Benjamin A Richardson, who landed in Canada in 1831
  • Caleb Richardson, who arrived in Canada in 1831
  • Margaret Richardson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1833
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Richardson Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
  • William H Richardson, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
  • Mabel Richardson, who arrived in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907
  • James M Richardson, who landed in Saint John, New Brunswick in 1907

Richardson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet, Second Fleet and Third Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet
  • Mr. Anthony Richardson, (1776 - 1815), aged 13, British settler convicted at Surrey, England in 1787, sentenced to 14 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 9
  • Mr. Peter Richardson, British settler convicted at Isle of Ely, Cambridge, England in 1788, sentenced to 14 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10
  • Mr. William Richardson, (Jones), British settler convicted at London, England in 1789, sentenced to Life for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 10
Second Fleet
Third Fleet
  • Mr. James Richardson, (b. 1766), aged 21, English labourer convicted in Maidstone, Kent on 14th March 1785, sentenced for 7 years for highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 10
  • Mr. William Richardson, (b. 1761), aged 26, English settler convicted in London on 10th December 1783, sentenced for 7 years for highway robbery, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 10
  • Mr. Hardwicke Richardson, English settler convicted in London on 25th October 1786, sentenced for 7 years for stealing clothing, transported aboard the ship "Alexander" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 10
  • Mr. John Richardson, (b. 1760), aged 27, English settler convicted in London on 7th July 1784, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 10
  • Mr. Samuel Richardson, (b. 1766), aged 21, English settler convicted in London on 15th September 1784, sentenced for 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Scarborough" leaving in 1787 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1788 10
Following the First, Second and Third Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Richardson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
Richardson Settlers in Australia in the 20th Century
  • Miss Catherine Richardson, (b. 1800), aged 28, English servant who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years for coining, transported aboard the ""Competitor"" on 9th June 1828, arriving in New South Wales, Australia" 18

Richardson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Richardson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Mr. Richardson, Australian settler travelling from Port of Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on board the ship "Defiance" arriving in New Zealand in 1832 19
  • Mr. James Richardson, (b. 1809), aged 30, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Oriental" arriving in Port Nicholson, Wellington, New Zealand on 31st January 1840 20
  • James Richardson, aged 32, a builder, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Aurora" in 1840
  • Edward Richardson, aged 19, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Catherine Stewart Forbes" in 1841
  • James Robert Richardson, aged 22, a farm labourer, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Arab" in 1841
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Richardson migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 21
Richardson Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • Mr. William Richardson, (b. 1611), aged 24, British settler traveling aboard the ship "John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 22
  • Mr. Manley Richardson, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 23
  • Mr. Robert Richardson, (b. 1602), aged 33, British settler traveling aboard the ship "William and John" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 23
  • Mr. Robert Richardson, (b. 1615), aged 20, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Paul of London" arriving in St Christopher (Saint Kitts) in 1635 23
  • Mr. Richard Richardson, (b. 1599), aged 36, British settler travelling from Gravesend, England aboard the ship "Falcon" arriving in Barbados in 1636 24
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Richardson (post 1700) +

  • Elliot Lee Richardson (1920-1999), American lawyer, politician and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, best known for his resignation as U.S. Attorney General rather than agree to President Nixon's order to fire special prosecutor Archibald Cox
  • Michael Ray Richardson (1955-2025), known by his nickname "Sugar", was an American professional basketball player and head coach, played college basketball for the Montana Grizzlies, fourth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft, played in the National Basketball Association for eight years with the New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, and New Jersey Nets, four-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection, led the league in steals in three seasons
  • Earl Stanford Richardson (1943-2025), American academic, served as the ninth president of Morgan State University (1984-2010)
  • Elizabeth Ann Richardson (1918-1945), American volunteer for the American Red Cross during World War II
  • Sha'Carri Richardson (b. 2000), American track and field sprinter, gold medalist at the 2024 Summer Olympics
  • William Blaine Richardson (1947-2023), American Democratic Party politician, U.S. Representative from New Mexico (1983-1987), 30th Governor of New Mexico (2003-2011) 25
  • Leo Richardson (1931-2023), American head basketball coach at Savannah State University from 1964 to 1971, and the University at Buffalo from 1973 to 1978
  • Jerome Johnson "Jerry" Richardson Sr. (1936-2023), American businessman, football player, and owner in the National Football League (NFL)
  • Willie Bell Richardson (1948-2023), American civil rights activist and community advocate who was president of Oregon Black Pioneers
  • ... (Another 338 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Gregory Willam Richardson (1964-1985), American Private 1st Class from Sterling, Illinois, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash 26
  • Cyril Richardson (1920-1943), Australian Private who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
  • Harry Frederick Richardson (1919-1943), Australian Private who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
  • Mrs. Mary Richardson (1860-1914), née Ryles Canadian Second Class Passenger from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 27
  • Mr. William Richardson (1856-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 28
  • ... (Another 17 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Richardson Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Virtute acquiritur honos
Motto Translation: Honour is aquired by virtue.

Suggested Readings for the name Richardson +

  • Minnie Mallory Boyett, Hagan, Pullen. Radford, Goggans, Peterson, and Richardson Kin by Woodrow W. Boyett.
  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
  3. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  4. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  5. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  6. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  7. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  8. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  9. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
  10. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  11. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved January 6th 2023 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  12. Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
  14. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 1st March 2022). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elizabeth
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 27th September 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/fairlie
  18. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/competitor
  19. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  20. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  21. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  22. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/daphne
  23. Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's (Retrieved October 4th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  24. Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 28th September 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
  25. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, November 9) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  26. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  27. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 17) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html

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