Show ContentsMickelson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The distinguished surname Mickelson 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 Mickelson family

The surname Mickelson 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 Mickelson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Mickelson 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 Mickelson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Mickelson Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Mickelson family

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

Mickelson Ranking

In the United States, the name Mickelson is the 5,048th most popular surname with an estimated 4,974 people with that name. 4

Migration of the Mickelson family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Edward Michelson who settled in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1640; Clement Michaellson, who arrived in Maryland in 1658; Jacob Michaelson, who came to Maryland in 1661.


Contemporary Notables of the name Mickelson (post 1700) +

  • George Theodore Mickelson (1903-1965), American 18th Governor of South Dakota (1947-1951)
  • Philip Alfred "Phil" Mickelson (b. 1970), American professional golfer, three-time Masters title winner (2004, 2006, 2010), PGA Championship (2005), and an Open Championship (2013)
  • Asgeir Mickelson (b. 1969), Norwegian musician, artist, photographer and music reviewer


The Mickelson 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.


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  3. 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)
  4. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/


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