Jephson Surname

The Origins of the Jephson Surname

The surname Jephson is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is believed to be a locational surname derived from the village of Jephson in Warwickshire, England. The village name itself is thought to be derived from the Old English personal name "Gef(f)an," meaning "to give," and the Old English word "tun," meaning "enclosure" or "settlement."

Historically, locational surnames were often given to people who moved away from their original village and were identified by the name of their birthplace. Over time, the surname Jephson became hereditary and passed down through generations.

Early History and Migration

Records show that the Jephson surname has been present in England since at least the 14th century. The earliest known recording of the surname is that of Thomas Jephson, who was documented in the Poll Tax records of Yorkshire in 1379.

Over the centuries, the Jephson surname spread beyond England to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, and Scotland. This migration may have been influenced by factors such as economic opportunities, political turmoil, or personal reasons.

United States

In the United States, the Jephson surname first appeared in historical records in the 18th and 19th centuries. Census records show Jephson families living in various states across the country, including New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. The surname's incidence in the US is recorded at 134, indicating a moderate presence in American society.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the Jephson surname is less common compared to other countries, with an incidence of 105. However, there are still Jephson families living in New Zealand today, possibly descended from early settlers or immigrants who arrived in the country in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Canada

With an incidence of 34, the Jephson surname in Canada is relatively rare. Nevertheless, there are Canadian families with the surname who have likely contributed to the country's diverse cultural landscape.

Notable Individuals with the Surname Jephson

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Jephson who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One such figure is Robert Jephson (1736–1803), an Irish playwright known for his works in the 18th century.

Another notable figure is Sir John Jephson (1586–1654), an English politician who served as a Member of Parliament and was a supporter of King Charles I during the English Civil War. His legacy is remembered in the historical records of England.

Modern Distribution and Variants

Today, the Jephson surname continues to be present in various countries around the world, with differing levels of incidence in each region. In addition to England, the United States, New Zealand, Canada, and Australia, the surname also appears in countries such as Sweden, South Africa, France, Denmark, Oman, Bahamas, Switzerland, Ireland, and Luxembourg.

It is important to note that surname variants may exist, such as Jeffson or Jepson, which may have arisen due to spelling variations or regional dialects. These variants may be more prevalent in certain countries or regions compared to others.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname Jephson has a rich history and global presence, with roots in England and branches extending to various countries worldwide. Through centuries of migration and adaptation, the Jephson surname has endured and continues to be a part of modern society, representing a diverse and interconnected family network.

The surname Jephson in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same takes place in the case of Jephson, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said it is a surname which can be found in a lot of the countries of the globe. In the same way you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people because of the surname Jephson is more than in other countries.

The map of this Jephson surname

1. England (275)
2. United States (134)
3. New Zealand (105)
4. Canada (34)
5. Australia (32)
6. Sweden (19)
7. South Africa (17)
8. Scotland (15)
9. France (3)
10. Denmark (2)
11. Oman (2)
12. Bahamas (1)
13. Switzerland (1)
14. Ireland (1)
15. Luxembourg (1)