Etymology of Hampson
The name Hampson was spawned by the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture that ruled a majority of Britain. It comes from the baptismal name for the son of Hamon. Sometimes Hampson (the 'p' is intrusive, as in Simpson or Thompson) is a corruption of Hamondson. Occasionally it may be direct from the nick. Hamme; v. Ham. The Manchester and South Lancashire directories conclusively prove, by the large number of Hampsons they contain, how locally popular was Hamond in the 14th and 15th centuries as a font-name.
Early Origins of the Hampson family
The surname Hampson was first found in Cumberland (Cumbria) where John Hammonson was listed in the Curia Regis Rolls for 1332. Years later, Robert Hamsone, Hameson was listed in Yorkshire in 1354 and in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Roll of 1379. Another source confirms the last entry but noted the name was listed in the more Latin form: Robertus Hameson.
Hampson Spelling Variations
Hampson has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Hampson have been found, including Hampson, Hampsey, Hampsy, O'Hampsey, Hamson and others.
Hampson Ranking
In the United States, the name Hampson is the 9,688th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. However, in the United Kingdom, the name Hampson is ranked the 975th most popular surname with an estimated 7,144 people with that name.
Hampson migration to the United States
In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Hampsons to arrive on North American shores.
Hampson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Hampson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century