Alanson - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

William Alanson

MarilynHamill — 2006-02-09 02:51:37Z

Who was William Alanson that so many Americans named children after him? (The man I am researching was born in 1820.) He had to have been a "household name". I have found references to a ship captain hung in Scotland for religious reasons, a merchant from 1666 in England, and a feudal land baron in England.

Thanks for any clues.

William Alanson

MarilynHamill — 2006-02-09 02:51:37Z

Re: William Alanson

MarilynStewart494 — 2005-11-15 03:36:30Z

Larry:
You have missed the point, entirely, or maybe you're just being facetious again. There are many, many 19th century Americans named William Alanson (Last Name), with no apparent Alansons in their family trees. People often named their children after figures from politics, religion, romance, literature, history, or legend. When someone is named John Wesley Jones or George Washington Carpenter or Francis Marion Bethea or Indiana Territory Parker I know where the name came from, and it gives me insight into the thinking of the parents. What I asked was who were Williamson Alanson Inman, William Alanson Bryan, William Alanson White, William Alanson Howard, William Alanson Dunklin, et al named after?

Re: William Alanson

MarilynStewart494 — 2005-11-15 03:36:30Z

Thanks, Larry. I checked him out, but other than being a nobleman and the mayor of York what would make Americans name their children after him? (I did find an Australian, too)

Re: William Alanson

2005-08-17 21:24:38Z

Hi Marilyn,

Sorry for seeming facetious. I'm in a somewhat funky mood.

The names you have mentioned are all quite prominent men - I have discovered. Each perhaps leading to many namings.

But all after 1820.

But how about Sir William Allanson from the 1600's

I did give this quite a go, and he's the only hit worthy in a namesake at that time - without a trailing surname. But there is a spelling difference.

I did not try Allansone or the likes - yet.

Regards,

Larry

Re: William Alanson

2005-08-15 20:45:34Z

Hi Marilyn,

Perhaps he was related to John Smith, who is the name sake of many in the USA and a few other places.

Just kidding - William is a popular given name in all families - there are billions of them.

Regards,

Larry