Show ContentsAulderson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Aulderson Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Family Crest Download (JPG) Heritage Series - 600 DPI

Etymology of Aulderson

What does the name Aulderson mean?

The Aulderson name is an important part of the history of the ancient Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. Aulderson is derived from the baptismal name Alder. As the naming tradition grew in Europe baptismal names began to be introduced in many countries. Baptismal names were sometimes given in honor of Christian saints and other biblical figures. There are very few Christian countries in Europe that did not adopt surnames from these religious figures. The name Alder meant wise warrior.

Alternatively the name could mean "dweller by the alder(s)" from the Old English word "alor." 1

Early Origins of the Aulderson family

The surname Aulderson was first found in London and Middlesex, where the name meant 'son of the old wise warrior'. By the 16th century they had migrated north to Scotland to Haddington in East Lothian where they called themselves Alderston.

In Cumberland, Alston, the market-town and parish of Alston-Moor was home to some of the family in early times. "Mining in this district is of some antiquity, several charters having been granted to the miners of 'Alderston' in the 13th century. " 2

"Alderson is a name of very frequent occurrence in the Richmond district of the North Riding. John Alderson was sheriff of the city of York in 1709. The name is also established in the adjacent county of Durham." 3

The Alderston variant is frequented in Scotland where the name is "Perhaps from Alderston near Bellshill in the parish of Bothwell, Lanarkshire. There is also an Alderston in the parish of Haddington, East Lothian, and an Alderstone in the parish of Mid Calder, Midlothian. Peter Alderstoune, presbyter in Glasgow, is mentioned in 1544, and the name is also found in Glasgow at the same period as Alderstoun (1551), Aldirstoune (1552), and Alderstone (1554). James Alderstoune was minister of Kilmaurs from 1637 to 1642." 4

Early History of the Aulderson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Aulderson research. Another 109 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1544, 1554, 1605, 1620, 1634, 1743, 1758, 1760, 1787, 1792, 1794, 1811, 1817, 1822, 1829, 1830, 1834, 1857, 1867 and 1882 are included under the topic Early Aulderson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Aulderson Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Aulderson were recorded, including Alders, Alderson, Alderston, Alderstone, Aldirstone and many more.

Early Notables of the Aulderson family

Sir Edward Hall Alderson (1787-1857), English judge, the son of Robert Alderson, for many years recorder of Norwich, Yarmouth, and Ipswich. He was called to the bar in 1811, and joined the northern circuit. From 1817 to 1822 he was reporter to the King's Bench. In 1830 he was made a judge in the court of Common Pleas, never having taken silk. In 1834 he was transferred to the Exchequer, and was a Baron of that court until his death. 5 John Alderson (1758-1829), English physician, belonged to a family distinguished by its varied intellectual gifts. He was born at Lowestoft, the...
Another 148 words (11 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Aulderson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Aulderson family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Aulderson family emigrate to North America: Thomas Alderson who settled in Boston Massachusetts in 1679; John Alderson, aged 40, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1820; Thomas Alderson, who settled in that same city in 1842.
  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  3. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
  4. 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)
  5. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print

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