The origins of the Anglo-Saxon name Clapson come from its first bearer, who was a person with large features or who was rather ungainly. The surname was originally derived from the Old English word clop, which literally means clump.
The surname Clapson was first found in Oxfordshire where they held a family seat with estates in the shire. The Saxon influence of English history diminished after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The language of the courts was French for the next three centuries and the Norman ambience prevailed. But Saxon surnames survived and the family name is claimed to be descended from an ancient Danish noble who attended the court of King Canute, Osgod Clapa. Succeeding to this noble was Simon Clapp who is recorded in 1207 in Oxfordshire. The name is said, indirectly, to have lent its origin to many in the area such as Clapton, Clapham and Clapshaw.
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clapson research. Another 95 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1207, 1273, 1455, 1487, 1808, 1866, 1847, 1854 and 1861 are included under the topic Early Clapson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Clapson has been spelled many different ways, including Clapson, Clappson, Clappison, Clappeson, Clapison, Clapeson and many more.
Distinguished members of the family include Antoine Louis Clappisson, born at Naples Sept. 15, 1808, died at Paris March 19, 1866, a good violin-player before becoming a composer, and published a great many romances and songs, which exhibit an easy vein of melody. Clapisson...
Another 43 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Clapson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Clapsons to arrive in North America: