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. 

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

America.  Many of the Danes, Norwegians, and Swedes who emigrated to America with the last name Andersson or Anderssen dropped the extra "s" after their arrival.  These Scandinavians have accounted for the high number of Andersons 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).

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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