| ![Show Contents]() Reeson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England The Reeson surname comes from the Middle English, Old French word "raison," meaning "the power of reason;" as such it was most likely originally a nickname for an intelligent person. Early Origins of the Reeson familyThe surname Reeson was first found in Lincolnshire where they held a family seat at Market, Middle and West Rasen which were held by Bishop Odo of Bayeux. The under tenant holding from the Bishop was Alfred of Lincoln, a Norman noble and, conjecturally, the Reason family are descended from him. 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 was first referenced in the year 1202 when Robert de Rasene held estates in Lincolnshire. Early History of the Reeson familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Reeson research. Another 113 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Reeson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Reeson Spelling VariationsThe English language only became standardized in the last few centuries. For that reason, spelling variations are common among many Anglo-Norman names. The shape of the English language was frequently changed with the introduction of elements of Norman French, Latin, and other European languages; even the spelling of literate people's names were subsequently modified. Reeson has been recorded under many different variations, including Reason, Rasen, Rason, Rayson, Reson, Reasons, Resons, Reeson, Resen, Resun, Raysun, Rasne and many more. Early Notables of the Reeson familyMore information is included under the topic Early Reeson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Reeson familyTo escape the uncertainty of the political and religious uncertainty found in England, many English families boarded ships at great expense to sail for the colonies held by Britain. The passages were expensive, though, and the boats were unsafe, overcrowded, and ridden with disease. Those who were hardy and lucky enough to make the passage intact were rewarded with land, opportunity, and social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families went on to be important contributors to the young nations of Canada and the United States where they settled. Reesons were some of the first of the immigrants to arrive in North America: Ralph Reason, who came to St. Christopher in 1635; James Reason, who arrived in Bermuda 1635; Henry Reason, who came to Virginia in 1635; Barbarie Reason, who arrived in Barbados in 1635.
| Contemporary Notables of the name Reeson (post 1700) | + |
- Reeson Wayne "Reece" Shearsmith (b. 1969), English BAFTA Award winning actor, writer and comedian, member of The League of Gentlemen
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