Sassoon History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Sassoon

What does the name Sassoon mean?

The Sassoon surname is derived from the Old French word "Sarrazin," meaning "Saracen." It is thought to have been a nickname in Medieval England for someone of swarthy appearance, or for someone returned from the Crusades, before becoming a surname.

Early Origins of the Sassoon family

The surname Sassoon was first found in Cumberland where they held a family seat as Lords of the Manor. 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 13th century when they held estates in that county.

Early History of the Sassoon family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Sassoon research. Another 81 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1285, 1327, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Sassoon History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Sassoon Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Sassoon were recorded, including Sarson, Sarsen, Saracen, Sarason, Sareson and many more.

Early Notables of the Sassoon family

More information is included under the topic Early Sassoon Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Sassoon family

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Sassoon family emigrate to North America: Rich Sarson, who was on record in Virginia in 1654; Thomas Sarson, who came to Virginia in 1656; as well as Hans Peter Sarson, who was naturalized in Illinois in 1891..

Contemporary Notables of the name Sassoon (post 1700) +

David Sassoon (1932-2025), British fashion designer who owned the Bellville Sassoon salon in Knightsbridge, London founded by Belinda Bellville in 1953
Sir Albert Abdullah David Sassoon (1818-1896), British philanthropist and merchant, born at Bagdad, the eldest son of David Sassoon