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In ancient Scotland, the ancestors of the Essam family were part of a tribe called the Picts. The name Essam is derived from Aythe where Aythe filius Thome received a charter of the lands of Fornochtis in Strathearn from Robert the Steward (later known as Robert II) around 1360. The next of the line was called Johem ayson iuuene. It can be seen how the surname Ayson is a derivative from "Aythe's son." The spelling and pronunciation changed over time, until it reached the modern form of Essam and its variants.
The surname Essam was first found in Angus (Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland, and present day Council Area of Angus, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire, where it was of the most ancient surnames in the region. They were connected with the Toschachs of Glentilt.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Essam research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1360, 1392, 1504 and 1681 are included under the topic Early Essam History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The arts of spelling and translation were yet in their infancies when surnames began, so there are an enormous number of spelling variations of the names in early Scottish records. This is a particular problem with Scottish names because of the numerous times a name might have been loosely translated to English from Gaelic and back. Essam has been spelled Eason, Easson, Esson, Asson, Assone, Aysoune, Aison and many more.
More information is included under the topic Early Essam Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
This oppression forced many Scots to leave their homelands. Most of these chose North America as their destination. Although the journey left many sick and poor, these immigrants were welcomed the hardy with great opportunity. Many of these settlers stood up for their newfound freedom in the American War of Independence. More recently, Scots abroad have recovered much of their collective heritage through highland games and other patriotic functions and groups. An examination of passenger and immigration lists has located various settlers bearing the name Essam: Edward Eason who settled in Virginia in 1610, ten years before the "Mayflower"; William Eason settled in Maine in 1763; followed by John in 1770.