Surname Sanson - Meaning and Origin

My Genealogical Adventure: Tracing the Sanson Surname with iGENEA DNA Test

Embark on a journey through time as I share the intriguing experience of tracing back my roots with the iGENEA DNA test. From uncovering the rich history of the Sanson surname to connecting with distant relatives, it's an adventure into the past.

N. Sanson

Sanson: What does the surname Sanson mean?

The last name Sanson is of French origin and is derived from the biblical name "Samson" which means "sun" or "service". Over time, the spelling "Samson" evolved into "Sanson" in various regions. In early Christian era, it was often given to children as a personal name in reference to the strength of the biblical figure. In medieval France, the name was often bestowed upon boys who were expected to provide services to feudal Lords. As a surname, it might have been used to refer to a child born from a noble service or identified a person who was in the service of a Lord. The name Sanson is prevalent in northern France and has a significant presence in Paris, making it a common French surname. It's important to note that surnames can have multiple origins and the meaning of the surname Sanson can also vary based on geographical and cultural contexts.

Sanson: Where does the name Sanson come from?

Sanson is an ancient French surname which is still common in parts of France today. It is primarily most often found in the region of Brittany, particularly around the Brest and Côtes-d'Armor area. Around this area, it is one of the most common surnames present.

Sanson is also quite popular in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec where many French settlers originally migrated to. This is likely where the surname has come to be so common, as large numbers of French people left France to settle in Canada in the 17th and 18th centuries.

The surname is also present in large numbers in countries with French colonization such as the United States, Martinique, and French Guiana. As the French language is spoken in each of these countries in some capacity, a lot of the Sanson surname was kept.

Interestingly, Sanson has also appeared in many places outside of French-speaking countries including in parts of North Africa and the Middle East, where French was once an official language under French rule.

Overall, Sanson is a popular and widespread surname which is common in parts of France, Canada, the United States, and other regions with French influence.

Variations of the surname Sanson

The surname Sanson is likely of French origin and has been found in numerous variations. These include, Sansum, Sansonnet, Sansome, Sansom, Sansuman, Sansomme, Sansormon, Saunson, Samsun, Saumson and Samson. It is also common to find these spellings used in combination with each other, such as Sansumson or Sansomson.

The original version of the name Sanson is thought to mean "son of Sanctus," which was a given name derived from Latin and meant "holy." Alternatively, it may have various other meanings such as "son of sand," from the French sand meaning "stone," or "son of Samson," the famous Biblical figure.

The surname Sanson is found in records as far back as the 13th century in France. It has also been present in English records since around the 16th century. Presently, the name is found in France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world where French-speaking people have settled.

Given the multiple versions and spellings of the surname Sanson, it can be difficult to trace family histories or identify relatives with the same last name. However, with proper research and access to records, it is possible to uncover genealogical data and establish relationships among those persons sharing the same surname.

Famous people with the name Sanson

• Dominique Sanson: French singer-songwriter, lead vocalist for the band Plastic Bertrand.
• Pierre Sanson: famous French painter from the 17th century.
• Christian Sanson: French figure skater who competed in the 1998 Winter Olympics.
• Claire Sanson: French actress and television presenter.
• Jacques Sanson: French cartographer of the 17th century who created the first French Atlas.
• Marie-José Sanson: French film and television actress.
• Grégory Sanson: French TV presenter and producer.
• Carl-Éric Sanson: French sailor and two-time World Champion and Olympic medalist in windsurfing.
• André Sanson: French prisoner of war from World War I who was the subject of the film The Longest Escape: The True Story of Allied POWs in Nazi Germany.
• Archibald Sanson: French sculptor who is known for his work in the Gothic Revival style.

Other surnames

SansomSansome