Show ContentsJoson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Joson

What does the name Joson mean?

The Joson surname finds its earliest origins with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. Their name is derived from the baptismal name for the son of Judd, which was a pet form for the Old English personal name Jordan.

Early Origins of the Joson family

The surname Joson was first found in Yorkshire where the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 included Willelraus Gesson as holding lands there at that time. 1

"Jesson was the name of a minister of Prestwold in the reign of Elizabeth. Two centuries ago Sir William Jesson resided at Burleigh Park, Loughborough." 2

Early History of the Joson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Joson research. Another 115 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1580, 1603, 1628, 1640, 1648, 1651, 1661, 1663, 1790 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Joson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Joson 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 Joson 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 Joson include: Jesson, Jessen, Gesson and others.

Early Notables of the Joson family

Another 49 words (4 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Joson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Joson family to Ireland

Some of the Joson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 58 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Joson family

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 Joson or a variant listed above: Richard Jessen, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1852; Henry Jesson to Philadelphia in 1865 and George Jesson, also to Philadelphia in 1866.



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.


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