Anderson


Select Anderson Surname Genealogy

Anderson is a patronymic name meaning "son of Andrew," particularly popular in Scotland where St. Andrew is the patron saint. 

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Scotland.  The name was first found in Scotland in the wild mountainous countryside of Basdenoch by the Great Glen and Strathspey. It was recorded as Andrewson in the 1450's and then as MacAndrew before later becoming Anderson. 

"Little John MacAndrew, known in Gaelic as Iain Beg MacAindrea, was a bowman of note in the 17th century and a terror of all who fought against him.  Many tales were told of his exploits and his vengeance on the cattle raiders who raided Basdenoch."

The largest group of Andersons then were to be found in the lands through Aberdeen, Bannff and Moray in NE Scotland.   Today greater numbers are in Glasgow.

Ireland.  Andersons from Scotland came to Ireland at the time of the Ulster plantations.  There were the Andersons of Lisnamulligan in the Finn valley of Donegal and the Andersons who owned the Lough Gill brewery in Sligo.

America.  Many of the Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes who emigrated to America with the last name Andersson, Andreasson or Anderssen dropped the extra "s" after their arrival.  Their peak years for emigration were from 1875 and 1892.  These Scandinavians have accounted for the high number of Andersons to be found in Midwest states such as Minnesota.

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John Anderson was a radical philosopher and a pioneer in the 18th century of vocational education for the working poor. 
John Anderson was a professional magician in Scotland in the Victorian age who has been credited in making magic performances a legitimate theatrical experience.
Jack Anderson was one of the leading American investigative journalists of the 20th century.
Robert Anderson was the legendary oil wildcatter who founded the Atlantic Richfield Company (ARCO).
Louie Anderson is a stand-up comedian from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Select Andersons Today

  • 115,000 in the UK (most numerous in Glasgow)
  • 254,000 in America (most numerous in Minnesota)
  • 130,000 elsewhere (most numerous in Canada)

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For other surnames check the companion selectsurname.com site where there are to be found the history and genealogy for more than 500 surnames.

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