Find out how popular the first name Wesson has been for the last 20 years (from 2004 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wesson by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Wesson is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Wesson being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 237 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wesson.

The history of the first name Wesson

The given name Wesson is an Old English name derived from the combination of the elements "Wes" and "sunu," meaning "son of Wes." The name's origins can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, between the 5th and 11th centuries AD, when it was common to identify individuals by their patronymic relationship.

The earliest recorded instances of the name Wesson can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landholdings and properties in England, compiled in 1086 on the orders of William the Conqueror. In this historical document, several individuals bearing the name Wesson are mentioned, suggesting its widespread use during the Norman period.

One notable historical figure who bore the name Wesson was Sir William Wesson, a prominent English knight who fought in the Battle of Agincourt in 1415. His bravery and prowess on the battlefield earned him recognition from King Henry V, who granted him lands and titles for his service.

Another individual of note was John Wesson, a 16th-century English scholar and theologian. Born in 1520, Wesson was a fellow at Oxford University and authored several influential works on religious doctrine and philosophy. His writings contributed significantly to the intellectual discourse of the time.

In the realm of literature, the name Wesson was immortalized by the 19th-century American author and poet James Wesson Lowell. Born in 1819, Lowell was a highly acclaimed figure in the Fireside Poets movement and is best known for his works such as "The Vision of Sir Launfal" and "The Biglow Papers."

Moving into the 20th century, one cannot overlook the impact of Samuel Wesson, an American entrepreneur and co-founder of the iconic firearms manufacturer Smith & Wesson. Born in 1808, Wesson's innovative designs and contributions to the firearms industry have left an indelible mark on American history.

While the name Wesson may have evolved and taken on various forms over the centuries, its roots can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and linguistic traditions of the English language.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Wesson was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wesson, please contact us.

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