The Hanson Family History

What Does the Hanson Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Hanson has roots in both German and English origins, deriving from the term ‘hann,’ which is a diminutive of the name ‘Johann.’ This surname signifies son of Hans. Variations in spelling for Hanson can be found, including Hansen, Hanssen, Hans, and Hansom. In Scandinavian countries, the name appears as Hansen and Hansson. In the context of Ireland, the surname is represented by McKittrick and Hampson. The origins of the Hanson surname in England trace back to Yorkshire county, where, over the centuries, the majority of Hanson families have remained concentrated in the northern regions, particularly in Lancashire. During the late 19th century, a significant number of Hanson families emigrated to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In Scotland, the surname is predominantly found in Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire. Additionally, the countries of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark are home to numerous individuals bearing the Hanson surname. Within the United States, Hanson families are primarily located in states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Washington, California, North Dakota, South Dakota, and New York. Notable individuals with the surname include Ann-Louise Hanson, a Swedish singer; Curtis Hanson, a film director; Kirk Hanson, a professional baseball player; Howard Hanson, a noted composer and conductor; Peter Hanson, a professional golfer from Sweden; Roger Hanson, a Confederate general during the Civil War; Vince Hanson, a professional basketball player; and Fritz Hanson, a Canadian football player.