The given name Lawson has its origins in the English language and dates back to the Middle Ages. It is derived from the Old English words "law" and "son," which together translate to "son of the law." This suggests that the name was initially given to the sons of lawyers, judges, or lawmen during the medieval period.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Lawson can be traced back to the 13th century in England. During this time, surnames were becoming more prevalent, and many were derived from occupations or familial relationships. The name Lawson likely emerged as a way to identify the sons of those involved in the legal profession or law enforcement.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Lawson was Sir Roger Lawson, an English knight who fought in the Hundred Years' War against France in the mid-14th century. He was a prominent figure during the reign of King Edward III and played a crucial role in several battles, including the Battle of Crécy in 1346.

Another notable bearer of the name was Thomas Lawson, an English clergyman and theologian who lived in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He was a prolific writer and authored several books on religious topics, including "The Dicing Prayer" and "The Body of Divinity."

In the 18th century, John Lawson, an English explorer and naturalist, made significant contributions to the study of the flora and fauna of the American colonies. His book "A New Voyage to Carolina," published in 1709, provided detailed accounts of his travels and observations of the natural world in the Carolinas.

Moving into the 19th century, Henry Brougham Lawson, an Australian writer and poet, gained recognition for his works depicting life in the Australian outback. Born in 1867, he is considered one of the most influential figures in Australian literature and is renowned for his short stories and poems that capture the harsh realities of rural life.

Finally, in the 20th century, Wilbur Lawson, an American baseball player, made his mark in the sport. He played for the Philadelphia Athletics and the Boston Red Sox in the 1930s and was known for his exceptional defensive skills as an outfielder.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who bore the given name Lawson, a name with roots in the legal profession and a rich heritage spanning several centuries.