Anderson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

On the Scottish west coast, the Anderson family was born among the ancient Dalriadan clans. Their name comes from the given name Andrew. The given name Andrew is derived from the Greek name Andreas, which means man or manly. The first reference to the given name Andrew was a monk of Dunfermline, who later became the Bishop of Caithness in the reign of David I. The first references to the surname appeared in the 13th century. In 1296, David le fiz Andreu was recorded as a burgess of Peebles, and Duncan fiz Andreu of Dumfries was recorded as taking an oath of fealty. [1]

The Andersons held territories in Moidart, but later moved to Badenoch in the early 14th century. The most prominent branches of the Andersons were the Dowhills, West Ardbrecks and Candacraigs in Strathdon.

Early Origins of the Anderson family

The surname Anderson was first found in the Great Glen and Strathspey, where the Anderson family is descended from Mac Ghille Andreis, servant of St. Andrew, Scotland’s Patron Saint. They are regarded as a sept of Clan Chattan and have been associated with this Confederation of Clans from the 15th century. 

Not withstanding the aforementioned Scottish ancestry, it should now be mentioned that some of the family moved south into England at early times in their history. By example, we need to mention the manor in the parish of Eyworth in Bedfordshire. “The manor belonged at an early period to the Leybourns, and was afterwards in the families of Charlton and Francis; in the reign of Elizabeth, Eyworth was the property and seat of Sir Edmund Anderson, lord chief justice of the common pleas, one of the judges who sat at the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots. The church contains some interesting monuments to the Andersons and others.” [2]

Early History of the Anderson family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Anderson research.

Anderson Spelling Variations

In the Middle Ages, the translation between Gaelic and English was not a highly developed process. Spelling was not yet standardized, and so, an enormous number of spelling variations appear in records of early Scottish names. Anderson has appeared as Anderson, Andison, Andersonne, Andersoun, Andirsoone, Andresoun, Androson, Andirston, Andrewson and many more.

Early Notables of the Anderson family (pre 1700)

Notable amongst the Clan from early times was John Androsone, burgess of Edinburgh in 1515; David and Alexander Anderson of Finshaugh, who made great contributions in the world of mathematics; Lionel Albert Anderson (c. 1620-1710), an English Dominican.

Anderson World Ranking

In the United States, the name Anderson is the 11^st most popular surname with an estimated 773,457 people with that name. [3] However, in Canada, the name Anderson is ranked the 13^rdmost popular surname with an estimated 70,365 people with that name. [4] And in Quebec, Canada, the name Anderson is the 745^th popular surname. [5] Newfoundland, Canada ranks Anderson as 123^rd with 294 people. [6] France ranks Anderson as 4,892^nd with 1,500 – 2,000 people. [7] Australia ranks Anderson as 7^th with 71,588 people. [8] New Zealand ranks Anderson as 8^th with 6,986 people. [9] The United Kingdom ranks Anderson as 43^rd with 88,023 people. [10] South Africa ranks Anderson as 524^th with 13,549 people. [11]

 Migration of the Anderson family to Ireland

Some of the Anderson family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.

 Anderson migration to the United States +

These settlers arrived in North America at a time when the east was burgeoning with prosperous colonies and the expanses of the west were just being opened up. The American War of Independence was also imminent. Some Scots stayed to fight for a new country, while others who remained loyal went north as United Empire Loyalists. The ancestors of all of them went on to rediscover their heritage in the 20th century through highland games and other patriotic Scottish events. The Anderson were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: 

Anderson Settlers in United States in the 17th Century

• Jochem Anderson, who arrived in New York, NY in 1600 [12]
• Heinrich Anderson, who immigrated to Philadelphia in 1627
• Thomas Anderson, aged 28, who arriving first in St. Domingo then to Virginia in 1634 or 1635 aboard the ship “Bonaventure”
• John Anderson, aged 20, who arriving first in St. Domingo then to Virginia in 1634 or 1635 aboard the ship “Bonaventure” [12]
• Mr. Richard Anderson, aged 17, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 aboard the ship “Transport” [13]

Anderson Settlers in United States in the 18th Century

• Hannah Anderson, who arrived in Virginia in 1705 [12]
• Enoch Anderson, who landed in New Jersey in 1709 [12]
• Jacob Anderson, who emigrated from England to New England in 1710
• Derrick Anderson, who landed in Virginia in 1714 [12]
• Edward Anderson, who landed in Virginia in 1717 [12]

Anderson Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

• Archd Anderson, aged 19, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1803 [12]
• George Anderson, who landed in America in 1804 [12]
• Heny Anderson, aged 46, who arrived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1804 [12]
• James Anderson, who arrived in America in 1804 [12]
• Charles Anderson, who landed in America in 1805 [12]

Anderson Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

• Herman Anderson, who landed in Mississippi in 1900 [12]
• Chris Anderson, who landed in Alaska in 1900 [12]
• Eliza J Anderson, who landed in Colorado in 1902 [12]
• Chris C Anderson, who arrived in Mississippi in 1903 [12]
• Frank Anderson, who arrived in Arkansas in 1903 [12]

 Anderson migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were: 

Anderson Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century

• Edward Anderson, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1749
• James Anderson, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749
• John and William Anderson, who immigrated to Newfoundland in 1763 [14]
• Elizabeth Anderson, aged 36, who landed in Fort Cumberland, Nova Scotia in 1775
• Mr. Alex Anderson U.E., United Empire Loyalist who settled in Home District, South Central Ontario c. 1783 [15]

Anderson Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

• Alexander Anderson and his wife Isobel, who emigrated from Scotland to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island in 1808 with their children James, Ann, Christina, and Isobel
• William Anderson, aged 28, who landed in Canada in 1811
• William Anderson, aged 28, who arrived in Canada in 1811
• William Anderson, aged 37, a gardener, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship “Atlas” in 1815
• Ann Anderson, aged 36, who arrived in Quebec aboard the ship “Atlas” in 1815

 Anderson migration to Australia+

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: 

Anderson Settlers in Australia in the 18th Century

• Mr. John Anderson, (b. 1760), aged 27, English seaman who was convicted in Exeter, Devon, England for 7 years for stealing, transported aboard the “Charlotte” on 13th May 1787, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
• Mr. Robert Anderson, (b. 1772), aged 21, Irish soldier who was convicted in Donegal, Ireland for life for highway robbery, transported aboard the “Boddingtons” on 15th February 1793, arriving in New South Wales, Australia, he died in 1839 [17]

Anderson Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

• Miss Martha Anderson, (b. 1768), aged 32, English house maid who was convicted in Northumberland, England for 7 years, transported aboard the “Earl Cornwallis” in August 1800, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [18]
• Mr. Robert Anderson, (Scott), British Convict who was convicted in Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the “Coromandel” on 4th December 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [19]
• Thomas Anderson, English convict from Middlesex, who was transported aboard the “Ann” on August 1809, settling in New South Wales, Australia [20]
• Miss Isabella Anderson, (b. 1784), aged 28, English convict who was convicted in Lancaster, Lancashire, England for 7 years for larceny, transported aboard the “Emu” in October 1812, the ship was captured and the passengers put ashore, the convicts were then transported aboard the “Broxburnebury” in January 1812 arriving in New South Wales, Australia, she died in 1850 [21]
• Mr. William Anderson, British Convict who was convicted in Glasgow, Scotland for life, transported aboard the “Batavia” in October 1817, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [22]

 Anderson migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include: 

Anderson Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

• Mr. James Anderson, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship “Bee” arriving in New Zealand in 1831 [23]
• Mr. Jacob Anderson, Australian settler travelling from Hobart, Tasmania, Australia aboard the ship “Bee” arriving in New Zealand in 1832 [23]
• J Anderson, who landed in Hokianga, New Zealand in 1839
• Archibald Anderson, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840 aboard the ship Bengal Merchant [24]
• Patrick Anderson, who landed in Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand in 1840

 Anderson migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960’s many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. [25]

Anderson Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

• James Anderson, aged 19, who arrived in Barbados in 1634 aboard the ship “Hopewell” [12]
• Mr. Robert Anderson, (b. 1613), aged 22, British settler travelling from London, Englandaboard the ship “Anne and Elizabeth” arriving in Barbados in 1635 [26]
• Mr. John Anderson, (b. 1614), aged 21, British settler travelling from London, Englandaboard the ship “Alexander” arriving in Barbados in 1635 [27]
• Mr. William Anderson, (b. 1599), aged 36, British settler travelling from London, Englandaboard the ship “Alexander” arriving in Barbados in 1635 [27]

Contemporary Notables of the name Anderson (post 1700) +

• Marian Anderson (1897-1993), American concert and opera singer and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom
• John Anderson GCB, OM, GCSI, GCIE, PC, PC (Ire), FRS (1882-1958), 1st Viscount Waverley, British civil servant and politician, Chancellor of the Exchequer (1943-1945), Lord President of the Council (1940-1943), eponym of the Anderson Shelter used extensively in World War II
• Philip Warren Anderson (1923-2020), American scientist who won the Nobel Prize for physics in 1977 for his work on the electronic structure of magnetic and disordered systems
• Vicki Anderson (1939-2023), born Myra Barnes, an American soul singer best known for her performances with the James Brown Revue, mother of Carleen Anderson
• Helen Jean Anderson (1929-2023), American cookbook author and editor, born in Raleigh, North Carolina
• Debra Rae Anderson (1949-2022), American politician, Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives from 1987 to 1988
• Donald Arthur Anderson (1934-2022), American politician and businessman from Minneapolis, Minnesota, he served in the Minnesota Senate from 1983 to 1990
• Rashard T. Anderson (1977-2022), American NFL football cornerback from Forest, Mississippi, who played for the Carolina Panthers from 2000 to 2001
• Frank J. Anderson (1938-2022), American politician and Sheriff of Marion County, Indiana, from 2003 until 2011
• Louie Perry Anderson (1953-2022), American three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awardwinning stand-up comedian, actor, author and game show host, creator of the cartoon series Life with Louie and wrote four books, including Hey Mom: Stories for My Mother, But You Can Read Them Too