Show ContentsEunson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Eunson is one of the names derived from the families of the ancient Dalriadan clans of Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic personal name Eógann, which comes from the Latin name, Eugenius, which means well born. Eunson is a patronymic surname, which belongs to the category of hereditary surnames. Many patronyms were formed when a son used his father's personal name as a surname, while others came from the personal names of famous religious and secular figures. The Eunson family was established in Scotland, well before the Norman Conquest of England, in 1066.

Euing appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 and may have been derived from Eawa's son. A Eawa was brother of Penda, king of Mercia. 1 However, another source claims the name was a "descendant of Ewen (warrior)." 2

And yet another source claims the name "goes back to the Greek eugenes (wellborn.)" 3

Early Origins of the Eunson family

The surname Eunson was first found in Argyllshire (Gaelic erra Ghaidheal), the region of western Scotland corresponding roughly with the ancient Kingdom of Dál Riata, in the Strathclyde region of Scotland, now part of the Council Area of Argyll and Bute, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D. The earliest recorded bearer of the name was Dovenaldus Ewain, documented in 1164.

Early History of the Eunson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eunson research. Another 136 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1164, 1178, 1546, 1555, 1598, 1611, 1621, 1633, 1636, 1664, 1678, 1681, 1687, 1717 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Eunson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Eunson Spelling Variations

Spelling in the medieval era was a highly imprecise process. Translation, particularly from Gaelic to English, was little better. For these reasons, early Scottish names are rife with spelling variations. In various documents Eunson has been spelled Ewing, Ewin, Ewen, Ewans, Ewens, Eugene, Ewan and many more.

Early Notables of the Eunson family

Another 40 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Eunson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Ireland Migration of the Eunson family to Ireland

Some of the Eunson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 60 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Eunson migration to the United States +

The hardy Scots who made the crossing settled all along the east coast of North America and in the great west that was just then opening up. At the time of the American War of Independence, many United Empire Loyalists moved north from the American colonies to Canada. Scottish national heritage became better known in North America in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic events. An examination of immigration records and passenger ship lists revealed that people bearing the name Eunson arrived in North America very early:

Eunson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Mary Eunson, aged 28, who immigrated to the United States, in 1895
Eunson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • William H. Eunson, aged 16, who immigrated to the United States from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1907
  • Rebecca Eunson, aged 35, who landed in America from St. Andrews, Scotland, in 1910
  • Joseph William Eunson, aged 37, who landed in America from Melbourne, Australia, in 1917
  • Thomas Eunson, aged 21, who landed in America, in 1917
  • Stewart Eunson, aged 26, who settled in America, in 1920
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Eunson (post 1700) +

  • Vanessa Eunson, American animator, known for her work on It Was My Best Birthday Ever, Charlie Brown!
  • Dale Eunson (1904-2002), American Hollywood writer, known for his work on How to Marry a Millionaire (1953), All Mine to Give (1957) and The Star (1952)


The Eunson Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Audaciter
Motto Translation: Boldly


  1. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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