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Show ContentsDavison History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
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Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

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The first family to use the name Davison lived among the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The name Davison is derived from the personal name David. Davison is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. This surname comes from the religious naming tradition, and was adopted from the popular biblical surname, David, which means beloved. This surname is believed to date as far back as the 15th century, BC, and to have come to Scotland from Brittany, with the Picts. The first Chief of the Clan Davidson, David Dubh, was of Pictish descent. He was the fourth son of the chief of Clan Chattan, of which the Davidsons became a part.

Early Origins of the Davison family

The surname Davison was first found in Perth, where, in 1219, Johnannes filius Davidis, a merchant in Perth, is mentioned. Some accounts suggest that around 1000 AD the Catti (Chattan) Clan, from whom the Davidson Clan descends, broke into two distinct factions, the MacKintosh and the MacPherson Clans.

The Davidson Clan was part of the MacPherson element, but always considered itself to be the senior Clan of the Chattan group. Records from the Ragman Rolls show Adami fiz Dauid of Forfarshire and Johan le fiz David of Berwickshire rendering homage to King Edward I of England in 1296.

The first estates of the Clan Davison were at Invernahaven, a small estate in Badenoch, where they were said to be found from the mid 14th century.

Early History of the Davison family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Davison research. Another 219 words (16 lines of text) covering the years 1396, 1408, 1411, 1466, 1500, 1549, 1603, 1670 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Davison History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Davison Spelling Variations

Repeated and inaccurate translation of Scottish names from Gaelic to English and back resulted in a wide variety of spelling variations with single names. Davison has appeared Davison, Davidson, Davisint, Davisyn, Debison, Dawysone, Dawyson, Davysone, Davyson, Davitson, Dawysown, Davisoun, Davisend, Davidsone, Davidson, Daveysone, Daveyson, Dauyson, Dawysume, Dauysum and many more.

Early Notables of the Davison family

Another 50 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Davison Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Davison World Ranking

In the United States, the name Davison is the 1,518th most popular surname with an estimated 19,896 people with that name. 1 However, in Australia, the name Davison is ranked the 724th most popular surname with an estimated 5,370 people with that name. 2 And in New Zealand, the name Davison is the 392nd popular surname with an estimated 1,663 people with that name. 3 The United Kingdom ranks Davison as 334th with 18,403 people. 4

Ireland Migration of the Davison family to Ireland

Some of the Davison family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 80 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

United States Davison migration to the United States +

Many Scottish families suffered enormous hardships and were compelled to leave their country of birth. They traveled to Ireland and Australia, but mostly to the colonies of North America, where many found the freedom and opportunity they sought. It was not without a fight, though, as many were forced to stand up and defend their freedom in the American War of Independence. The ancestors of these Scots abroad have rediscovered their heritage in the last century through the Clan societies and other organizations that have sprung up across North America. Immigration and passenger ship lists show some important early immigrants bearing the name Davison:

Davison Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Alice Davison, who landed in Jamestown, Va in 1624 5
  • Christopher Davison, who arrived in Virginia in 1624 5
  • Tho. Davison, who landed in Maryland in 1637 5
  • Jon Davison, who arrived in Virginia in 1642 5
  • Nicholas Davison, who landed in New England in 1648 5
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Davison Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • James Davison, who landed in Augusta County, Va in 1740 5
  • Samuel Davison, who landed in Augusta County, Va in 1740 5
  • William Davison, who landed in Augusta County, Va in 1740 5
  • John Davison, who landed in Augusta County, Va in 1740 5
  • Benjamin Davison, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1764 5
Davison Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Eliza Davison, who landed in America in 1805 5
  • James Davison, who arrived in America in 1805 5
  • Robert Davison, who arrived in America in 1805 5
  • Pima Davison, who arrived in New York, NY in 1812 5
  • Christ Davison, who landed in New York, NY in 1816 5
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Davison Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • John B Davison, who landed in Wisconsin in 1922 5

Canada Davison migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Davison Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • James Davison, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1750
  • John Davison, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1760
  • Jonathan Davison, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1760
  • Cyprian Davison, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1760
  • Samuel Davison, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1760
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Davison Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Robert Davison, aged 23, a labourer, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
  • Mary Ann Davison, aged 20, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship "Atlas" in 1815
  • Joseph Davison, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1829
  • Solomon Wright Davison, who landed in Canada in 1840

Australia Davison migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Davison Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Miss Elizabeth Davison, British Convict who was convicted in Northumberland, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 6
  • John Anthony Davison, English convict from Surrey, who was transported aboard the "Ann" on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia 7
  • Mr. John Davison, British Convict who was convicted in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England for 14 years, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 8
  • William Davison, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the "Asia" on April 1st, 1822, settling in New South Wales, Australia 9
  • Mr. Charles Davison, (b. 1802), aged 21, English bricklayer who was convicted in York, Yorkshire, England for 14 years for house robbery, transported aboard the "Commodore Hayes" in April 1823, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land), he died in 1872 10
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Davison 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:

Davison Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • Constance Davison, who arrived in Nelson, New Zealand aboard the ship "Prince of Wales" in 1842
  • John Davison, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Wyvern" in 1856
  • Mr. Henry Thomas Davison, British boat builder travelling from London aboard the ship "Maori" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand heading for Wellington on 16th April 1857 11
  • Mr. William Davison, (b. 1858), aged 9 months, English settler from Surrey travelling from London aboard the ship "Strathallan" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st January 1859 12
  • Mr. William Davison, (b. 1823), aged 35, English gardener from Surrey travelling from London aboard the ship "Strathallan" arriving in Lyttelton, Christchurch, South Island, New Zealand on 21st January 1859 12
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Davison (post 1700) +

  • Emily Wilding Davison (1872-1913), English suffragette who fought for votes for women, member of the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) and a militant fighter for her cause; she was killed by King George V's horse Anmer at the 1913 Derby when she walked onto the track during the race
  • Michael Lynn Davison (1945-2013), American Major League Baseball player who played from 1969 through 1970
  • Brigadier-General Frederick Trubee Davison (1896-1974), American Chief of Special Projects Division, Headquarters of the Army Air Force (1943-1946) 13
  • Brigadier-General Donald Angus Davison (1892-1944), American Aviation Engineer, North West African Air Force (1943-1944) 14
  • Peter Davison (1928-2004), American poet, essayist, teacher, lecturer, editor, and publisher
  • Bill "Wild Bill" Davison (1906-1989), American jazz cornet player
  • Charles S. Davison, American Democratic Party politician, Mayor of Elmira, New York, 1892 15
  • C. W. Davison, American politician, Mayor of San Jose, California, 1909 15
  • Arwilla Davison, American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Mississippi, 1980 15
  • Archibald T. Davison, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Massachusetts, 1908 15
  • ... (Another 44 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Empress of Ireland
  • Mrs. Daisy May Davison (1882-1914), née Barling Canadian Second Class Passenger from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 16
  • Miss Dorothy Ada Davison (1912-1914), Canadian Second Class Passenger from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada who was traveling aboard the Empress of Ireland and died in the sinking 16
Hillcrest Coal Mine
  • Mr. John Davison (1870-1914), English Miner from Murton, Durham, England, United Kingdom who worked in the Hillcrest Coal Mine, Alberta, Canada and died in the mine collapse 17
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. Thomas Henry "Harry" Davison (d. 1912), aged 32, English Third Class passenger from Liverpool, Merseyside who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking 18
USS Arizona
  • Mr. Henry D. Davison, American Ensign working aboard the ship "USS Arizona" when she sunk during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on 7th December 1941, he survived the sinking 19

The Davison 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: Sapienter si sincere
Motto Translation: Wisely if sincerely.

Suggested Readings for the name Davison +

  • Davison-Davidson Family Research by Mildred F. Roberts.
  1. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  2. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  3. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  4. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  5. 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)
  6. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
  7. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Ann voyage to New South Wales, Australia in 1809 with 200 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/ann/1809
  8. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
  9. State Library of Queensland. (Retrieved 2016, October 27) Asia 1 voyage to Van Diemen's Land, Australia in 1822 with 190 passengers. Retrieved from http://www.convictrecords.com.au/ships/asia/1822
  10. Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th March 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/commodore-hayes
  11. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  12. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  13. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, January 10) Frederick Davison. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Davison/Frederick_Trubee/USA.html
  14. Generals of World War II. (Retrieved 2012, January 10) Donald Davison. Retrieved from http://generals.dk/general/Davison/Donald_Angus/USA.html
  15. The Political Graveyard: Alphabetical Name Index. (Retrieved 2015, December 11) . Retrieved from http://politicalgraveyard.com/alpha/index.html
  16. Commemoration Empress of Ireland 2014. (Retrieved 2014, June 16) . Retrieved from http://www.empress2014.ca/seclangen/listepsc1.html
  17. List Of Miners - Hillcrest Mine Disaster Data. (Retrieved 2014, June 24) . Retrieved from http://www.hillcrestminedisaster.com/data/index.php?title=List_Of_Miners
  18. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html
  19. Pearl Harbour: USS Arizona Casualties List Pearl Harbour December 7, 1941. (Retrieved 2018, July 31st). Retrieved from http://pearl-harbor.com/arizona/casualtylist.html
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