The ancestors of the Esson family were part of an ancient Scottish tribe called the Picts
. The name Esson is derived from Aythe where Aythe filius
Thome received a charter of the lands of Fornochtis in Strathearn from Robert the Steward (later known as Robert II) around 1360. The next of the line was called Johem ayson iuuene.
It can be seen how the surname Ayson
is a derivative from "Aythe's son." The spelling and pronunciation changed over time, until it reached the modern form of Esson and its variants.
Early Origins of the Esson family
The surname Esson was first found in Angus
(Gaelic: Aonghas), part of the Tayside region of northeastern Scotland
, and present day Council Area of Angus
, formerly known as Forfar or Forfarshire
, where it was of the most ancient surnames in the region. They were connected with the Toschachs of Glentilt.
Early History of the Esson family
This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Esson research.Another 114 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1360, 1392, 1504, and 1681 are included under the topic Early Esson History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
Esson Spelling Variations
The appearance of the printing press and the first dictionaries in the last few hundred
years did much to standardize spelling. Prior to that time scribes spelled according to sound, a practice that resulted in many spelling variations
. Esson has been spelled Eason, Easson, Esson, Asson, Assone, Aysoune, Aison and many more.
Early Notables of the Esson family (pre 1700)
More information is included under the topic Early Esson Notables in all our PDF Extended History products
and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Esson family to Ireland
Some of the Esson family moved to Ireland
, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. More information about their life in Ireland
is included in all our PDF Extended History products
and printed products wherever possible.
Migration of the Esson family to the New World and Oceana
The expense of the crossing to the North American colonies seemed small beside the difficulties of remaining in Scotland
. It was a long and hard trip, but at its end lay the reward of freedom. Some Scots remained faithful to England
and called themselves United Empire Loyalists, while others fought in the American War of Independence
. Much of this lost Scottish heritage has been recovered in the last century through Clan
societies and other patriotic Scottish organizations. A search of immigration and passenger lists revealed many important, early immigrants to North America bearing the name of Esson:
Esson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
- Wm. Esson, aged 33, who landed in America, in 1894
Esson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
- Simon Esson, aged 28, who landed in America from London, in 1904
- Walther L. Esson, aged 11, who settled in America from Pores, Jamaica, in 1909
- Robert Alexa. Esson, aged 10, who settled in America from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1910
- Esther Muriel Esson, aged 4, who emigrated to the United States from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1910
- George Esson, aged 26, who landed in America from Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1910
- ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Esson Settlers in Canada in the 20th Century
- Agnes Esson, aged 56, who emigrated to Halifax, Canada, in 1910
- Robert F. Esson, aged 41, who arrived in Toronto, Canada, in 1914
- John Esson, aged 64, who settled in Petrolio, Canada, in 1915
- Isabella Esson, aged 28, who emigrated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1917
Contemporary Notables of the name Esson (post 1700)
- George Esson CBE, QPM, LLB (b. 1942), Scottish Chief Constable of Grampian Police and Dumfries and Galloway Constabulary (1989-1994)
- Ryan Esson (b. 1980), Scottish professional football goalkeeper
- William Esson (1838-1916), Scottish mathematician, Savilian Professor of Geometry at the University of Oxford
- John Esson (1804-1863), Scottish-born, Canadian merchant and politician in Nova Scotia
Esson Family Crest Products