Show ContentsLeason History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The rich and ancient history of the Leason family name dates back to the time of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It comes from the baptismal name for the son of Levison, which was a form of Lewis. Baptismal names are forms of patronymic surnames, and derive from either the religious or the vernacular given name traditions. In this case, the surname Leason was originally derived from the given name of the father of the bearer.

Early Origins of the Leason family

The surname Leason was first found in Northumberland where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Leason family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Leason research. Another 84 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1332, 1379 and 1524 are included under the topic Early Leason History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Leason Spelling Variations

Spelling variations in names were a common occurrence before English spelling was standardized a few hundred years ago. In the Middle Ages, even the literate spelled their names differently as the English language incorporated elements of French, Latin, and other European languages. Many variations of the name Leason have been found, including Leeson, Leason and others.

Early Notables of the Leason family

More information is included under the topic Early Leason Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Leason family to Ireland

Some of the Leason family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Australia Leason migration to Australia +

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

Leason Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • James Leason, aged 29, a labourer, who arrived in South Australia in 1850 aboard the ship "Trafalgar" 1

Contemporary Notables of the name Leason (post 1700) +

  • Jeff R. Leason, American game designer, known as co-writer of the Advanced Dungeons & Dragons adventure The Hidden Shrine of Tamoachan (1980)
  • Percy Alexander Leason (1889-1959), Australian political cartoonist, a major figure in the Australian tonalist movement
  • Nick Leason (b. 1968), British racing driver

HMS Hood
  • Mr. Harry V Leason (b. 1916), English Engine Room Artificer 3rd Class serving for the Royal Navy from Portsmouth, Hampshire, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking 2


The Leason 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: Clarior e tenebris
Motto Translation: The brighter from previous obscurity.


  1. State Records of South Australia. (Retrieved 2010, November 5) TRAFALGAR 1850. Retrieved http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/BSA/1850Trafalgar-March.htm
  2. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm


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