Show ContentsWixson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Wixson

What does the name Wixson mean?

The Wixson surname is a habitation name, derived from any of various places so named.

Early Origins of the Wixson family

The surname Wixson was first found in Hampshire at Wickham, anciently spelt Wykeham, a village and civil parish which dates back to c. 925-941 when it was spelt Wicham. 1 By the time of the Domesday Book of 1086, it was listed as Wicheham. 2

William de Wycheham or Wickwane (d. 1285), was Archbishop of York and Canon and Chancellor of York. 3

This village was the birth place of William of Wykeham (c. 1320-1404), Bishop of Winchester and Chancellor of England. He founded New College Oxford and New College School in 1379, and later founded Winchester College in 1382. 4

The "Bishop of Winchester and chancellor of England, took his name from Wickham, near Fareham, Hampshire, where he was born in the summer of 1324. His mother, Sibill Bowade, had some gentle blood, but his father, John Long, is merely described as of free condition. They were poor, and Wykeham was sent to school at Winchester by some unnamed patrons, perhaps Sir Ralph Sutton and Sir John Scures. " 3 The place name literally means "homestead associated with a vicus (reference to its ancient Roman settlement)." 1

"[Birchanger in Essex] was given by Richard II. to William of Wykeham, for the endowment of New College, Oxford, the Warden and Fellows of which are the present proprietors." 4

The parish of Garsington in Oxfordshire was another ancient family seat. "The church [of Garsington], an ancient and venerable structure, contains some handsome monuments to the family of Wickham." 4

The Wycombe variant was first recorded in the Feet of Fines for Essex in 1326 as John de Wycoumbe. 5

Early History of the Wixson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wixson research. Another 111 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1218, 1305, 1335, 1400, 1539, 1550, 1559, 1584 and 1595 are included under the topic Early Wixson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wixson Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Wickham, Wickombe, Wycombe, Wickholm, Wigham, Wickcombe, Wigholm, Wickholme, Wykham, Wyckham, Wygholme, Wiggam, Wiggham and many more.

Early Notables of the Wixson family

Distinguished members of the family include William Wickham (Wykeham) (1539-1595), an English bishop, Bishop of Lincoln (1584-1595) and Bishop of Winchester in 1595. He "claimed descent from William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester, but was a member of a different family. He was...
Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wixson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Wixson family to Ireland

Some of the Wixson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 32 words (2 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Wixson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wixson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Amos Wixson, who arrived in Canada in 1830
  • Joel Wixson, who landed in Canada in 1833

Contemporary Notables of the name Wixson (post 1700) +

  • Walter S. Wixson (1863-1928), American Republican politician, Delegate to Michigan State Constitutional Convention 21st District, 1907-08; Candidate for Michigan State Senate 21st District, 1911
  • Thelma Wixson, American Republican politician, Alternate Delegate to Republican National Convention from South Dakota, 1944
  • Philip L. Wixson, American Republican politician, Candidate for U.S. Representative from Michigan 7th District, 1892
  • Levi L. Wixson, American politician, Circuit Judge in Michigan 24th Circuit, 1879-86; Resigned 1886


The Wixson 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: Manners maketh the man


  1. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  2. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  3. Smith, George (ed), Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co., 1885-1900. Print
  4. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
  5. 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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