Surname Harrolson - Meaning and Origin
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Harrolson: What does the surname Harrolson mean?
The surname Harrolson is patronymic in origin, which means it is derived from the name of a father or ancestor. In this case, Harrolson is believed to be derived from the Scottish personal name “Harold” coupled with the suffix "son", which means "son of". "Harold" itself originates from the Old English name "Hereweald", which consisting of the elements "here", which means army, and "weald", which means power, control. So, metaphorically, the name Harrolson can be said to mean "son of the one who holds power in the army". It is essential to note that surnames' meanings often have a historical significance linked to their bearers' profession or character. So, over time, Harrolson could have been assigned to a child as a way to identify them as the son of a man named Harold who might have held a significant role in an army.
Order DNA origin analysisHarrolson: Where does the name Harrolson come from?
The surname Harrolson is of English origin, derived from the personal name Harold, combined with the suffix '-son' meaning 'son of.’ The name Harold itself comes from the Old English name 'Hereweald,' composed of the elements 'here' meaning army and 'weald' meaning power, leader, or ruler.
'Harrolson,' therefore, roughly translates to 'son of Harold.' It is a patronymic name, a type of surname that is based on a male ancestor's name, which was a common way of creating surnames in the Middle Ages. Its variations include Haroldson and Haraldson.
Today, the surname Harrolson, like many English surnames, can be found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. However, it is not a common name, and its prevalence is relatively low even in these countries, indicating it is quite rare. The highest prevalence of the Harrolson surname seems to be in the United States, particularly in southern states. Despite its origin, it is much less common in the United Kingdom.
Variations of the surname Harrolson
The surname Harrolson is predominantly believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin and is a variant of the name "Haraldson" or "Heraldson", which means "son of Harald" or "son of Herald".
Different spellings and variations of this surname could potentially include Harrelson, Haroldson, Harralson, Harleson, Harrleson, Harlson, and Harlison. These variations occur largely due to phonetic spelling by immigration officers or clerks when the family immigrated, literacy rates among the populace, and regional accents. Hence, the same name could have been written down in different ways leading to various spellings of the same name.
The common element in all these variants is the suffix "-son", which is typical of many surnames of Anglo-Saxon and Scandinavian origin. This element denotes "son of", indicating a patronymic origin of the surname.
Surname variations and spellings may also differ based on nationality and geographic location. For instance, Scandinavian or northern German versions might include Haraldsen or Haraldsson.
Surnames connected with Harrolson via the "Harold" root could include Harris, Harrison, and even Harold itself. Therefore, despite different spellings and variations, these surnames have the same origin point in the name "Harold".
Famous people with the name Harrolson
- Woody Harrelson: An acclaimed American actor and playwright, Harrelson is known for roles in television programs like "Cheers," and films including "White Men Can't Jump," "Natural Born Killers," and "The Hunger Games" series. He has received multiple awards and nominations for his performances.
- Brett Harrelson: Younger brother to Woody, Brett is also an actor, notably appearing alongside his brother in the film "The People vs. Larry Flynt". Note: It should be noted that the correct spelling is Harrelson, not Harrolson.