Clarson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

Clarson is a name that dates far back into the mists of early British history to the days of the Anglo-Saxon tribes. It is derived from the popular family name Clark, and means the son of Clark. The surname also has an occupational origin and was likely derived from the trade or profession of the original bearer. In this case the surname denotes that the bearer was a clerical worker or a clergyman who was employed in religious institutions to write books from old documents. The bearers of this surname were handed high status in the community because of their ability to read and write. One must remember that during the Middle Ages most of the population was quite illiterate by today's standards.

Early Origins of the Clarson family

The surname Clarson was first found in Yorkshire where it is "a well-known Yorkshire surname, which has spread over the North of England." 1

The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 list: Johannes Clerke and Thomas Clerkson, father and son; Ricardus Clerkson; Wilielmus Klereson; and Alicia Clerkson. 1

By the early 15th century, the name appeared in Scotland. "Thomas Clerkson de Aldane was a forestaller in Aberdeen in 1402. Simon Clerici (Latin) witnessed an instrument of resignation in Brechin in 1434, and a booth was set to Besse Clerkson in Lanark in 1488." 2

Early History of the Clarson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Clarson research. Another 167 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1300, 1500, 1501, 1504, 1513, 1531, 1567, 1615, 1622, 1649, 1667, 1685, 1686, 1697, 1716, 1721 and 1763 are included under the topic Early Clarson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Clarson Spelling Variations

It is only in the last few hundred years that the English language has been standardized. For that reason, early Anglo-Saxon surnames like Clarson are characterized by many spelling variations. As the English language changed and incorporated elements of other European languages, even literate people changed the spelling of their names. The variations of the name Clarson include: Clarkson, Clarksone, Clerkson and others.

Early Notables of the Clarson family

Notables of the family at this time include Agnes Clarkson who in the 'Test' in lowland Scotland refused to acknowledge the King or his church and was hanged for Witchcraft.David Clarkson (1622-1686), was an ejected minister, son of Robert Clarkson, was born at Bradford...
Another 44 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Clarson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Clarson family to Ireland

Some of the Clarson 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.

Clarson migration to the United States +

Many English families tired of political and religious strife left Britain for the new colonies in North America. Although the trip itself offered no relief - conditions on the ships were extremely cramped, and many travelers arrived diseased, starving, and destitute - these immigrants believed the opportunities that awaited them were worth the risks. Once in the colonies, many of the families did indeed prosper and, in turn, made significant contributions to the culture and economies of the growing colonies. An inquiry into the early roots of North American families has revealed a number of immigrants bearing the name Clarson or a variant listed above:

Clarson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Forbes Clarson, aged 45, who arrived in New York, NY in 1805 3

Citations +

Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
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)
Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)