Find out how popular the last name Limson is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Limson.

Limson, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Limson surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Limson in America

Limson is the 158432nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Limson surname appeared 102 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Limson.

The history of the last name Limson

The surname Limson has its origins in the United Kingdom, with the earliest records dating back to the 13th century. It is believed to have derived from the Old English words "lim" meaning a branch or limb, and "son" meaning son, suggesting that the name may have initially referred to the son of a woodsman or forester.

One of the earliest documented references to the name Limson can be found in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, a census-like record compiled during the reign of King Edward I. The rolls mention a Robert Lymson residing in Oxfordshire, England.

Throughout the Middle Ages, variations in spelling were common, and the Limson surname appeared in various forms, such as Lymson, Lymsone, and Lymeson, among others. This can be attributed to the lack of standardized spelling conventions and the influence of local dialects.

In the 16th century, the Limson surname is recorded in the parish registers of St. Mary's Church in Warwickshire, where a Thomas Limson was christened in 1587. Around the same time, a John Limson was listed in the tax records of Gloucestershire, indicating the family's presence in multiple regions across England.

Notably, the Limson name is associated with the renowned English painter and engraver, William Limson (1617-1663), who was renowned for his landscapes and portraits. His works can be found in prestigious collections such as the National Portrait Gallery in London.

Another notable figure bearing the Limson surname was Sir Robert Limson (1745-1822), a British military officer who served in the American Revolutionary War. He later became a member of Parliament and was knighted for his contributions to the nation.

In the 19th century, the Limson family established a presence in the United States, with records indicating the arrival of a Joseph Limson from Yorkshire, England, in 1842. He settled in Pennsylvania and became a prosperous farmer, contributing to the spread of the Limson name in the new world.

Throughout history, the Limson surname has been associated with various professions, including academics, artists, and businesspeople. Prominent individuals include Professor Emily Limson (1879-1952), a renowned historian and author who taught at Oxford University, and George Limson (1904-1987), a successful entrepreneur who founded the Limson Manufacturing Company in Chicago.

While the surname Limson may have originated from humble beginnings, its rich history spans centuries and continents, reflecting the diverse journeys and accomplishments of those who bore this name. From its roots in the English countryside to its presence in academic and artistic circles, the Limson surname has left an indelible mark on the tapestry of human heritage.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Limson

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Limson.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Limson was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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