Stephenson
A classic patronymic surname meaning “son of Stephen.”
The #733 most common surname in the United States (2010 Census) — about 1 in every 6,481 Americans shares it.
Etymology
Stephenson is an English patronymic surname built from the personal name Stephen plus -son, literally meaning “son of Stephen.” Stephen ultimately comes from Greek Stephanos, meaning “crown” or “garland,” through Latin and Old French forms of the name. Historical records in the excerpts show medieval spellings such as Stephenson alongside related forms like Stephens and Stevens.
History
The surname is well established in medieval England, with records in the 13th and 14th centuries cited by Harrison. Later surname dictionaries treat Stephenson simply as the son-name of Stephen, and note it alongside Stephens, Stevens, and Stevenson as part of a common family of hereditary surnames. It remains especially familiar in Britain and the English-speaking world, where it is a straightforward, transparent patronymic.
Origin
Regions
Variant spellings
Fun fact
The personal name Stephen behind the surname comes from Greek Stephanos, the word for a wreath or crown.
From the historical record
“STEPHENS, Stephen's (Son) 1 _. ,. STEPHENSON, Stephen's Son / ^Stephen. Gilbert fil. Stephani. — Hund. Rolls, A.D. 1274. Richard Stephenes. — Sows. Subs. Roll, A.D. 1327. 5tepkin”
— Surnames of the United Kingdom: a concise etymological dictionary (2 vols in 1)