Simpson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland
Ireland

Etymology of Simpson

What does the name Simpson mean?

The name Simpson is a patronymic surname formed from the Medieval given name Sim. The original bearer of the name would have been the "son of Sim."

Early Origins and Etymology of Simpson

The surname Simpson was first found in Buckinghamshire, where Simpson was listed in the Domesday Book as Sevinstone or Siwinestone, lands held by the Bishop of Countances. The place literally meant "farmstead of a man called Sigewine" derived from the Old Scandinavian personal name + tun. 1

At the time, the land consisted of 8 hides (each hide would support one household), 3 virgates (three quarters of a hide) and land enough to support 8 ploughs. There were 13 villans (peasants), 2 bordars and 6 slaves 2.

The family's introduction to Scotland began in 1405. "The Symson [family] of Brunton, have been established in Fifeshire from the commencement of the 15th century." 3

Simpson is "characteristic of the northern half of England. Yorkshire is its great home, it being very numerous in the North and East Ridings. In the surrounding counties of Durham, Lancashire, Cheshire, Stafford, and Derby, it is also well represented. Though it has established itself in some measure in Suffolk and Essex, it is with these exceptions eminently a name of the northern counties and northern midlands. It is represented over a large part of Scotland, but is rare in the north." 4

Early History of the Simpson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Simpson research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1405, 1412, 1422, 1448, 1475, 1477, 1482, 1488, 1491, 1567, 1646, 1685, 1687, 1688, 1696, 1764, 1768 and 1890 are included under the topic Early Simpson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Simpson Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Simpson, Simson, Simsoun, Symson, Symsoun, Simpsone and many more.

Early Notables of the Simpson family

David Symsoun, one of assize in Aberdeen in 1448; Thomas Symson, Scottish merchant, who had a safe conduct into England in 1475; and five years later John Symson, a Scot, had letters of denization in England. David Sympsone was elected common councillor in Aberdeen in 1477, Andro Semsoun was guilty of 'fylit of pycry' (i.e. pilfering) in Lanark in 1488, Jok Semsswne vas guilty of 'twillye' (disturbance) in the same year in the same town, Wylzame Symptsun was declared innocent of part in detention of King James III in Edinburgh Castle in 1482, and Johannes Symson witnessed a lease by George...
Another 109 words (8 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Simpson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Simpson World Ranking

the United States, the name Simpson is the 126^th most popular surname with an estimated 174,090 people with that name. 5 However, in Canada, the name Simpson is ranked the 120^th most popular surname with an estimated 25,576 people with that name. 6 And in France, the name Simpson is the 8,962^nd popular surname with an estimated 500 - 1,000 people with that name. 7 Australia ranks Simpson as 75^th with 31,631 people. 8 New Zealand ranks Simpson as 29^th with 5,751 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Simpson as 59^th with 73,755 people. 10

Migration of the Simpson family to Ireland

Some of the Simpson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 57 words (4 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Simpson migration to the United States +

Simpson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

Thomas Simpson, who landed in Virginia in 1623 12
Robert Simpson, who settled in Salem in 1630 part of the Winthrop Fleet
Mr. Robert Simpson, (Sympson), who left England and arrived in Maryland in 1634 aboard the ship "Ark and Dove" 12
Henry Simpson who settled in Maine in 1635
Mr. Thomas Simpson, (b. 1611), aged 24, British settler traveling aboard the ship "Constance" arriving in Virginia in 1635 13
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simpson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

Anne Simpson, who landed in Virginia in 1702 12
Rowland Simpson, who landed in Virginia in 1703 12
Andrew Simpson, who arrived in New England in 1720 12
Peter Simpson, who landed in New England in 1733 12
Alexander Simpson, who landed in New England in 1735 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simpson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Andrew Patrick Simpson, who landed in North Carolina in 1801 12
Mary Jane Simpson, aged 5, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1805 12
Matt Simpson, aged 30, who landed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1805 12
Matt, Simpson Jr., aged 3, who arrived in Boston, Massachusetts in 1805 12
Hugh Simpson, who arrived in South Carolina in 1806 12
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simpson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Donald Simpson, who arrived in Colorado in 1907 12

Simpson migration to Canada +

Simpson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

Richard Simpson, who settled in Newfoundland in 1704 14
John Simpson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
Jos Simpson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
Joshua Simpson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
Mary Simpson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1750
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simpson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

A Simpson, aged 24, who landed in Canada in 1811
John Simpson, aged 62, Scottish farmer who arrived in Pictou, Nova Scotia in 1815-1816 with his wife and 7 children
John F Simpson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1815
William Simpson, who landed in Canada in 1815
Alexander Simpson, who landed in Canada in 1815
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simpson migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia included the First Fleet and Second Fleet of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

First Fleet

Mr. George Simpson, (b. 1765), aged 24, British settler convicted at Middlesex, England in 1787, sentenced to 7 years for stealing tools, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 11
Mr. William Simpson, (1767 - 1820), aged 22, British settler convicted at Nottinghamshire, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Neptune, Scarborough or Surprize" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
Miss Charlotte Simpson, (Hall), (1767 - 1828), aged 21, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for theft, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12
Miss Mary Simpson, (b. 1762), aged 21, British settler convicted in London, England in 1788, sentenced to 7 years for shop lifting, transported aboard the ship "Lady Juliana" leaving in 1789 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1790 12

Second Fleet

Mr. Michael Simpson, British settler convicted in Middlesex, England in 1789, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Active" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12
Mr. Thomas Simpson, British settler convicted in London, England in 1790, sentenced to 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the ship "Britannia" leaving in 1790 arriving in New South Wales, Australia in 1791 12

Following the First and Second Fleets, other convicts and early settlers arriving in Australia include:

Simpson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Henry Hart Simpson, (b. 1776), aged 24, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years for larceny, transported aboard the "Earl Cornwallis" in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 15
Mr. Francis Simpson, (Frank), Irish convict who was convicted in Galway, Ireland for lif, transported aboard the "Atlas" on 30th May 1802, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1803 by hanging for his part in the Castle Hill escape. 16
Mr. John Simpson, (Gatehouse, George), British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Coromandel" on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 17
Mr. Abel Simpson, (b. 1787), aged 20, English convict who was convicted in York, Yorkshire, England for life for theft, transported aboard the "Duke of Portland" in January 1807, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 18
Mr.George Simpson, (1792 - 1870), aged 20, British farmer who was convicted in Yorkshire, England for life for stealing sheep, transported aboard the "Fortune" on 31st October 1812, arriving in New South Wales, Australia 19
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simpson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Simpson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Mr. John Simpson, Cornish settler travelling from Launceston, UK aboard the ship "Brazil Packet" arriving in New Zealand in 1836 20
Thomas Ritchie Simpson, aged 21, a farm servant, who arrived in Wellington, New Zealand aboard the ship "Bengal Merchant" in 1840 21
William Simpson, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
James Simpson, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Bengal Merchant 22
Captain Simpson, Australian settler travelling from Sydney aboard the ship "Delhi" arriving in New Zealand in 1840 20
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Simpson migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 23

Simpson Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Mr. Edward Simpson, (b. 1622), aged 13, British settler travelling aboard the ship "The Dorset" arriving in Barbados in September 1635 24
Mr. William Simpson, (b. 1618), aged 17, British settler travelling aboard the ship "The Dorset" arriving in Barbados in September 1635 24

Contemporary Notables of the name Simpson (post 1700) +

Gretchen Hansell Dow Simpson (1939-2025), American painter from New England, author of over 60 magazine covers for The New Yorker Magazine
Alan Kooi Simpson (1931-2025), American politician, member of the Republican Party, served as a member of the United States Senate(1979-1997), Republican Senate Minority Whip (1987-1995), Senate Majority Whip (1985-1987)
Orenthal James "OJ" Simpson (1947-2024), American NFL football running back, actor, and broadcaster, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame
Lendward Simpson (1948-2024), retired African-American professional tennis player and founder of One Love Tennis, a tennis and academic enrichment program for at-risk kids
E.J. "Bill" Simpson (1940-2019), American racecar driver, pioneer in the racing safety business with his company Simpson Performance Products
James Shores "Jim" Simpson (1927-2016), American sportscaster, awarded the Sports Lifetime Achievement Award, inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 2000
Joseph "Red" Simpson (1934-2016), American country singer-songwriter
Robert Homer Simpson (1912-2014), American meteorologist, hurricane specialist, first director of the National Hurricane Research Project
General William Hood Simpson KBE (1888-1980), U.S. Army officer who commanded the U.S. Ninth Army in northern Europe, during World War II
... (Another 218 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Historic Events for the Simpson family +

Cataraqui

John Simpson, British crew aboard the ship "Cataraqui" when sailing for Melbourne, Australia she struck rocks of Kings Island and sank on 4th April 1845, he survived
Edward James "Bill" Simpson (1919-1943), Australian Private who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
Ernest Basiil Simpson (d. 1943), Australian Seaman who died aboard the ship "Centaur" an Australian hospital ship when torpedoed on 14th May 1943
Mr. Edward James Simpson (1887-1917), Canadian resident from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada who died in the Halifax Explosion (1917) 25
Mr. Benjamin Simpson (1911-1941), Australian Petty Officer Telegraphist from Richmond, New South Wales, Australia, who sailed into battle aboard HMAS Sydney II and died in the sinking 26
... (Another 21 entries are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

The Simpson 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: Alis nutrior
Motto Translation: I am fed by my wings.

Sources +

Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
"What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
"Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
http://www.journaldesfemmes.com/nom-de-famille/nom/
"Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
"Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
"UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
Convict Records of Australia. Retrieved 4th February 2021 from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships
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)
Pilgrim Ship's of 1600's. Retrieved October 5th 2021 from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Seary E.R., Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland, Montreal: McGill's-Queen's Universtity Press 1998 ISBN 0-7735-1782-0
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 13th August 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-cornwallis
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 14th July 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/atlas
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 22nd March 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/coromandel-and-experiment
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 28th July 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/duke-of-portland
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 24th October 2022). https://convictrecords.com.au
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 17th October 2018). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
Shadow Time Settlers (Retrieved 5th November 2010), retrieved from http://shadowsoftime.co.nz/settlers.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
Pilgrim Ship Lists Early 1600's retrieved 29th September 2021. Retrieved from https://www.packrat-pro.com/ships/shiplist.htm
Halifax Explosion Book of Remembrance | Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. (Retrieved 2014, June 23) . Retrieved from https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/what-see-do/halifax-explosion/halifax-explosion-book-remembrance
HMAS Sydney II, Finding Sydney Foundation - Roll of Honour. (Retrieved 2014, April 24) . Retrieved from http://www.findingsydney.com/roll.asp