Surname Reeson - Meaning and Origin

Reeson: What does the surname Reeson mean?

The surname Reeson is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and is a patronymic name derived from the personal name Reeve. Reeve was an occupational name for a steward or bailiff, derived from the Old English term "gerefa." Consequently, the name Reeson signifies 'son of Reeve' or 'son of the steward/bailiff.' This surname has various forms including Reeson, Reasin, Reason, and others. These names started to appear in written documents during the late Middle Ages, often used to distinguish individuals with the same first name. Hence, Reeson and its variants became hereditary surnames. It is now found in many parts of the English-speaking world but is most common in England where it originated. While some surnames provide insight into an ancestor's occupation, this name appears to provide more information about a potential ancestor's lineage or parentage.

Reeson: Where does the name Reeson come from?

Reeson is a relatively uncommon surname today, particularly in the United States of America. It is most frequently found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. It is believed to have originated as an English surname, possibly from a place name or a personal name derived from Old English.

Classified as a habitational surname, the Reeson family can be traced back to parts of England in early records. Specifically, records indicate the name can be found in the counties of Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, Derbyshire, and Warwickshire. These are all located in the Midlands (central area) and Northern England.

It is also believed that the surname Reeson may have been taken to some other countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States of America. However, today, the surname is still most frequently found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England.

Reeson is not a particularly popular surname today; however, its current presence can be tracked down to its origins in historic England. It is still found throughout the United Kingdom and in countries throughout the world.

Variations of the surname Reeson

The surname Reeson is of English origin, dating back to the 11th century. The spelling of this surname has changed over time, with variants including Reason, Reeson, Reeseyn, Reesen, Riason, Reisone, Resen, Reissen, and Reeceyn.

Reeson is a patronymic name of Rees or Rhys, a Medievel Welsh personal name derived from a word meaning "ardor". It may also be derived from Rees, which is derived from the Greek name Rhesus, meaning "eager" or "quick".

The surname originated in the south of England, mainly in Dorset. The first recorded spelling of the surname was in 1270, when Richard Resone was recorded in Somerset.

Today, the surname Reeson can also be found in the United States, although is more commonly spelled Reason. The earliest America record of the surname can be found in 1611, when Robert Reason arrived in Jamestown, Virginia.

In addition to the variants listed above, other spellings and surnames of the same origin include Rayzon, Rayeson, Raison, and Raysone.

Famous people with the name Reeson

• Drew Reeson: Australian Actor in Home and Away and East Enders
• Charli Reeson: Actor in The Adventures of Kitty and Caufield
• Guy Reeson: British-American wildlife photographer and cinematographer
• Freya Reeson: British actor known for roles in Inspector George Gently and Doctors
• Lachlan Reeson: Australian actor in The Sleepover Club and the feature film Red Dog
• Jamie Reeson: English comedian, writer and actress
• Marcus Reeson: Professional American football player
• Julian Reeson: British film director and producer
• Lawrence Reeson: British World War II aviation historian
• Robert Reeson: Australian writer and publisher of the Reeson Publishing Company

Other surnames

Reesor