Surname Wrightson - Meaning and Origin

Wrightson: What does the surname Wrightson mean?

The origin of the last name Wrightson is believed to be English in origin. It is derived from the Old English name “Wryhta” meaning a worker in wood or metal, while the suffix “son” simply indicates that the person was the son of a person who carried the name. The name itself could be associated with a particular trade — perhaps carpentry, metalworking, or any other craft.

The surname has been present in England since at least the 16th century, where it can be found in records dating back to 1571 in the Wiltshire area. While it is not clear exactly where in England the Wrightson family originated, the name is still found in the Upper Thames area today.

In some areas, the name may have been changed to the French variation “Ritson”, but this is not a widely accepted explanation. The name is also found in other countries throughout Europe and North America, where it has been adopted and adapted to local languages and spelling variations.

The Wrightson name is a testament to a proud tradition of craftsmanship, and a reminder of the changing times and fashions throughout history. It’s a proud name that may still be found in many areas today, often associated with a specific trade or certain skills.

Wrightson: Where does the name Wrightson come from?

The last name Wrightson has roots in Scotland and England. The name is most common today in the United Kingdom, with records showing close to 14,000 individuals in England alone. Specifically, the greatest concentration of Wrightson individuals in England is in the North East region, while Hull and Wiltshire boast the highest numbers. In Scotland, the name is more dispersed geographically with a large presence in Fife.

In the United States, location-based genealogical databases show almost 3,000 individuals who bear Wrightson as a family name, with the greatest concentration in Texas, followed by Virginia, Ohio and California. Family migrations to America date back to the eighteenth century, with Wrightson reportedly arriving in the US from Yorkshire, Scotland and Ireland.

Outside of the UK and the US, the last name can also be found in countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In Canada, Wrightson is particularly popular in Alberta, with over 100 citizens reported living there. In Australia, the majority of Wrightson individuals are located in New South Wales, followed by Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. Finally, in New Zealand, Wrightson is mostly found in Auckland and Christchurch.

Variations of the surname Wrightson

The surname Wrightson is of English origin and is an occupational surname derived from an ancestor who was a Wright, a builder or maker of wheels, either carts or those for a windmill. As an occupational surname, it has various spellings and variants.

One variant of this surname is Wrixon. It has the same meaning as Wrightson, but is an alternative spelling. The spelling Wrixon likely originates from an ancestor in Ireland.

Another variant spelling and surname is Wrightsen. This spelling is primarily found in Scandinavia, as it is derived from the Old Norse language.

Rhymes with the surname Wrightson include Wrixston, Wrixsted, Wrixon-Steed and Wrightston.

Other surnames that have a similar origin to Wrightson include Wheelwright, Cartwright, Cartridgewright and Chariotwright. Each of these surnames carries the same occupational meaning of an ancestor who made wheels for carts, carriages or windmills.

Although these alternate spellings and surnames may appear to be of different origins, each one has the same lineage as Wrightson and can be traced back to the same ancestor who held an occupation as a maker of wheels.

Famous people with the name Wrightson

• Bernie Wrightson: prolific artist and illustrator best known for his work in horror and fantasy.
• Robert Wrightson: politician, lawyer and author, best known as a Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1967 to 1979.
• Stephanie Wrightson: British actor and playwright.
• Thomas Wrightson: An English actor, comedian, singer and playwright best known for his starring role in the 1980s television sitcom Whoops Apocalypse.
• Martha Wrightson: British stage and television actor, active in the 1920s and 1930s.
• Cara Wrightson: British novelist, best known for her work in the fantasy, science fiction and horror genres.
• William Wrightson: twin brother to Greg Wrightson, an American sailor in the US Navy who won a Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War.
• Greg Wrightson: twin brother to William Wrightson, an American sailor in the US Navy who won a Silver Star and a Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War.
• John Wrightson: British stock broker, financial analyst and investor, known for his prolific investment career.
• Ben Wrightson: British graphic designer and illustrator, who works in editorial, advertising and corporate design.

Other surnames

Wrights