Michaelson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Norway
Scotland

The distinguished surname Michaelson is one of the many names that first came to England in the wake of the Norman Conquest of 1066. The name is derived from the given name "Michel," meaning "who is like God." 1

Early Origins of the Michaelson family

The surname Michaelson was first found in Lancashire, where Michaelis de Areci was listed in a record from 1160. 2

A name that has been most popular in the north of England and into Scotland, Yorkshire was the next place where the family was listed, specifically the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 which listed "Johannes Michelson; Thomas Michilson; and Adam Michelson as all listed as holding lands there at that time. 1

In Scotland, the name "was common in Newburgh in Fife in the middle of the sixteenth century as Michelson. In Latin documents it usually appears in the Latin genitive form, e.g. in 1395 William Michaelis is mentioned as owner of a tenement in Innerkethyn, Johne Michelsone had a safe conduct in England, 1398, Donald Michaelis was vicar of Lethnot in 1435, and in 1439 we have mention of Robert Mechelson whose name is Latinized in the same document as Robertus Michaelis. 3

Early History of the Michaelson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Michaelson research. Another 320 words (23 lines of text) covering the years 1061, 1068, 1336, 1408, 1433, 1438, 1454, 1463, 1464, 1474, 1475, 1484, 1499, 1500, 1617 and 1633 are included under the topic Early Michaelson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Michaelson Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Mitchelson, Mitchellson, Mitcheson, Mitchieson, Michaelson, Michaelbegson, Mickleson, Michelson and many more.

Early Notables of the Michaelson family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was

Sir John Michaelson

Michaelson Ranking

In the United States, the name Michaelson is the 7,389^th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 4

Michaelson migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Michaelson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Jacob Michaelson, who settled in Maryland in 1661

Michaelson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Helmuth Michaelson went to Philadelphia in 1860

Contemporary Notables of the name Michaelson (post 1700) +

John August Michaelson (1893-1968), American professional baseball pitcher
Magne Alfred Michaelson (1878-1949), U.S. Representative from Illinois
Jay Michaelson (b. 1971), American writer, teacher, and scholar
Ingrid Ewe Ellen Egbert Michaelson (b. 1979), New York based indie-pop singer-songwriter
Milton C. Michaelson, American Republican politician, Candidate for New York State Assembly from Kings County 11th District, 1958
Magne Alfred Michaelson (1878-1949), American Republican politician, Delegate to Illinois State Constitutional Convention 25th District, 1920-22; U.S. Representative from Illinois 7th District, 1921-31
Julius C. Michaelson (b. 1922), American Democratic Party politician, Alternate Delegate to Democratic National Convention from Rhode Island, 1952, 1964; Rhode Island State Attorney General; Candidate for U.S. Senator from Rhode Island, 1982
Joyce Michaelson, American politician, Candidate for Mayor of Montclair, New Jersey, 2008
Isabel P. Michaelson, American Republican politician, Delegate to Republican National Convention from Florida, 1960, 1964
Gordon R. Michaelson, American Republican politician, Candidate for Michigan State House of Representatives, 1970 (5th District), 1972 (12th District)
... (Another 4 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Michaelson 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: Crescam ut prosim
Motto Translation: I will increase, that I may do good.

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
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)
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/