Esson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The ancestors of the Esson family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts. The name Esson 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 Esson and its variants.
Early Origins of the Esson family
The surname Esson 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.
Early History of the Esson family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Esson research. Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1360, 1392, 1504 and 1681 are included under the topic Early Esson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Esson Spelling Variations
The appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations. Esson has been spelled Eason, Easson, Esson, Asson, Assone, Aysoune, Aison and many more.
Early Notables of the Esson family
More information is included under the topic Early Esson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Esson family to Ireland
Some of the Esson 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.
Esson migration to the United States +
The expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of Esson:
Esson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
- Wm. Esson, aged 33, who landed in America, in 1894
Esson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
- Simon Esson, aged 28, who landed in America from London, in 1904
- Walther L. Esson, aged 11, who settled in America from Pores, Jamaica, in 1909
- Robert Alexa. Esson, aged 10, who settled in America from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1910
- Esther Muriel Esson, aged 4, who immigrated to the United States from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1910
- George Esson, aged 26, who landed in America from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1910
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Esson migration to Canada +
Some of the first settlers of this family name were:
Esson Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
- Agnes Esson, aged 56, who immigrated to Halifax, Canada, in 1910
- Robert F. Esson, aged 41, who arrived in Toronto, Canada, in 1914
- John Esson, aged 64, who settled in Petrolio, Canada, in 1915
- Isabella Esson, aged 28, who immigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1917
Esson migration to New Zealand +
Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:
Esson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
- Mr. William Esson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Jura" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd September 1858 1
- Mrs. Margaret Esson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Jura" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd September 1858 1
- Mr. Alexander Esson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Jura" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd September 1858 1
- Mr. Adam Esson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Jura" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd September 1858 1
- Miss Mary Esson, Scottish settler travelling from Glasgow aboard the ship "Jura" arriving in Dunedin, Otago, South Island, New Zealand on 23rd September 1858 1
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Contemporary Notables of the name Esson (post 1700) +
- George Esson CBE, QPM, LLB (b. 1942), Scottish Chief Constable of Grampian Police and Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary (1989-1994)
- Ryan Esson (b. 1980), Scottish professional football goalkeeper
- William Esson (1838-1916), Scottish mathematician, Savilian Professor of Geometry at the University of Oxford
- John Esson (1804-1863), Scottish-born, Canadian merchant and politician in Nova Scotia
Citations +