Origin and Meaning of Anson

Son of the divine or son of the land.

Origin: English - Derived from Old English, the name Anson means 'son of Anne' or 'son of the gracious one.' It may also be linked to the Old Norse name 'Ansgar,' meaning 'god's spear.'

• Anson has been used as a surname and a given name since the Middle Ages, reflecting the practice of forming given names from surnames.
• The name is relatively uncommon and is primarily found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom.
• Notable bearers of the name include Anson Jones, the last president of the Republic of Texas, and Anson Mount, an American actor known for his roles in television.
• The popularity of Anson has fluctuated, with its peak usage occurring in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, but it has seen a resurgence in recent years.
• Variations of the name include Hanson, which is also of English origin, and the name Anson can be seen as a diminutive of patterns with 'son' endings common in Scandinavian languages.