Surname Hardison - Meaning and Origin

Discovering My Roots: A Personal Experience with iGENEA DNA Test

Embark with me on my enlightening and satisfying journey of ancestry discovery through the iGENEA DNA test. Uncover how I traced the roots of my surname, Hardison, learnt about my hitherto unknown heritage, and connected with others sharing my surname.

D. Hardison

Hardison: What does the surname Hardison mean?

The surname Hardison is of English origin, derived from the personal name "Hardy" meaning "bold or daring" and the suffix "son", implying "son of Hardy". Thus, the name suggests a connotation of being 'son of the bold or daring one'. It has its roots in Northern England, particularly in regions like Lancashire and Yorkshire. Over time, variants of the surname have evolved, including Hardeson, Hardinson, and Hardeson. This surname migrated to North America in the 17th century with several English families and can frequently be traced back to these early settlers. However, it should be noted that the meaning of a surname does not necessarily say anything about the character or destiny of the individuals who bear it. One should also consider that names were often spelled differently in historical documents due to variation in spelling and transliteration rules.

Hardison: Where does the name Hardison come from?

The surname Hardison is of English origin and is derived from a personal name, specifically "Hardy's son." It is likely related to the Old French personal name Hardi, meaning "bold or courageous", with the patronymic suffix -son attached, which is typical of many English surnames. The surname could hence denote "son of the bold one."

The Hardison surname is most commonly found in the United States today, especially in North Carolina and Tennessee. In the 1880 U.S. census, the majority of Hardisons were farmer, laborer, or keeping house. It is much less common in its country of origin, England, although there are still individuals with this name. Other countries like Canada and Australia also have a small presence of the Hardison name, most likely due to English colonization and migration. Despite its origins, the surname is considered relatively rare overall. Recent celebrity namesakes, such as actor Aldis Hodge's character Alec Hardison in the TV series "Leverage", may have given the name more recognition.

Variations of the surname Hardison

The surname Hardison, typically found in English-speaking countries, stems from a son's relation to a person named Harding, deriving from "son of Harding." This makes it a patronymic name. The primary spelling variations and surnames of the same origins might include Hardeson, Hardinson, Hardeson, Harding, Hardin, Hardingston, and Hardingstone among others. There could also be variations based on regional spellings or pronunciations, like Hardsen or Hardisun. Many of these variations occurred due to a lack of standardization in spelling in historical records, making it common for a single individual's name to be spelled several different ways in different documents.

Additionally, there might exist a variety of Hardison due to differences in language and cultural translation or due to Anglicization, e.g., Hardingsson for a Scandinavian variant. Please note that while these potential variations exist, their usage might not be as common or widespread as the original surname Hardison. Therefore, it's always essential to research specific genealogical and regional records to verify the prevalence and legitimacy of these surname variants.

Famous people with the name Hardison

• Aldis Hodge Hardison: An American actor best known for his role as Alec Hardison in the TV series "Leverage".
• Kadeem Hardison: An American actor and director recognized for his work in the TV show "A Different World".
• Darryl Hardison: An American former boxer who competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics.
• Lonne Hardison: A retired American basketball player who once played for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.
• Charnee' Hardison: An American actress known for her roles in "Full Spectrum" and "Star Trek: Odyssey".
• Cornelius Hardison: A former NFL player who played for the Cincinnati Bengals as a defensive tackle from 1970 to 1979.
• A. J. Hardison: An NCAA American football player for the University of North Carolina.
• Virginia Hardison: A retired American rower, she competed in women's eight event at the 1976 Summer Olympics.
• Zoë Hardison: A dancer and actress known for her appearances on popular television shows like "Proper Manors" and "Majors & Minors".
• Michael Hardison: An American football player who was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2015 Draft. Please note that some of the individuals listed may use 'Hardison' as a middle or professional name rather than a surname.

Other surnames

Hardisty