| ![Show Contents]() Akerson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
Etymology of AkersonWhat does the name Akerson mean? This surname was derived from the Saxon name "Acca" or from Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk which literally meant "dweller by the plot of arable land," 1 or "newly cultivated land." 2 Alternatively the name "signifies the place of oaks, or oak—man; ac and ake being old terms for oak. Like oak, the first Acker might have been firm and unyielding in his disposition, or he might have used or sold acorns." 3 Today we get the name acre denoting a unit of land equal to 4,840 square yards. Early Origins of the Akerson familyThe surname Akerson was first found in Castle, South or West Acre in Norfolk, recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Acre. 4 We must look to Sussex to find the first record of the family, for it is there that William del Acr was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1214. Later, London records show Adam de Acres in 1346. 1 Early History of the Akerson familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Akerson research. Another 51 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Akerson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Akerson Spelling VariationsSpelling 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 Akerson have been found, including Acker, Ackers, Ackhurst, Ackerson, Acaster, Ackaster, Akaster, Akester and many more. Early Notables of the Akerson familyMore information is included under the topic Early Akerson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
| Akerson migration to the United States | + |
Families began migrating abroad in enormous numbers because of the political and religious discontent in England. Often faced with persecution and starvation in England, the possibilities of the New World attracted many English people. Although the ocean trips took many lives, those who did get to North America were instrumental in building the necessary groundwork for what would become for new powerful nations. Some of the first immigrants to cross the Atlantic and come to North America bore the name Akerson, or a variant listed above:
Akerson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century- Polly Akerson, aged 30, arrived in New York City, New York in 1894 aboard the ship "Lucania" from Liverpool & Queenstown 5
Akerson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century- Maria K. Akerson, aged 20, originally from Sweden, arrived in New York in 1901 aboard the ship "New York" from Southampton, England 5
- Oscar Akerson, aged 30, arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Deranof" from Liverpool, England 5
- Edwin C. Akerson, aged 21, arrived in New York City, New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Norfolk" from Barbados, British West Indies 5
| Contemporary Notables of the name Akerson (post 1700) | + |
- George Edward Akerson (1889-1937), American journalist, the 1st official White House Press Secretary (1929-1931) serving Herbert Hoover
- Daniel Francis "Dan" Akerson (b. 1948), American former Chairman and CEO of General Motors, serving from 2010 to 2014
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: La liberte
Motto Translation: Liberty.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
- Arthur, William , An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. London: 1857. Print
- Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
- Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
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