The name Hanson is of English origin, derived from the surname Hanson, which means "son of Han." The name Han is a diminutive form of the Old English name Hanhah, which is derived from the Germanic root "hana," meaning "rooster" or "cock."

The earliest recorded use of the name Hanson as a first name dates back to the 13th century in England. It was initially a patronymic surname used to identify the son of a man named Han. Over time, the surname Hanson evolved into a given name, particularly in areas where English culture and language had a strong influence.

One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Hanson can be found in the Domesday Book, a manuscript record of landowners in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name Hanson appears in this historical document, suggesting its use during the medieval period.

Notable historical figures with the first name Hanson include Hanson Gregory, an American lawyer and politician who served as the 16th Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut from 1854 to 1857. Another prominent individual was Hanson Hoslett, an English clergyman and academic who lived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries (1759-1829).

In the field of literature, Hanson Weightman Baldwin (1789-1864) was an American writer and educator who published several works on geography and history. Hanson Hurlbert (1835-1888) was an American journalist and diplomat who served as the United States Minister to Colombia from 1869 to 1873.

One of the most famous individuals with the first name Hanson was Hanson Edward Ely (1836-1916), an American businessman and inventor who is credited with developing the first practical revolving flat door for buildings, known as the "Ely Revolving Door."

While the name Hanson has its roots in English culture and history, it has since gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in regions with strong English-speaking communities or those influenced by British culture.