Sanderson (surname)

Sanderson is a surname of Scottish and English origin.

Sanderson

Coin depicting Alexander IV of Macedon, the "son of" Alexander the Great
Origin
Language(s)	English
Meaning	Son of Alexander (name) – "Alexander’s son"
Region of origin	England and Scotland
Other names
Variant form(s)	Saunderson, Sandeson, Sandersen, Sandison, Sandersson, MacAlister, MacSandair

In Scotland, entries were first found in the 15th century. "Johannes Sandrison was witness in Kyncardyn, 1434. John Sanderson bought the Temple lands of Lethindy in 1472. William Sanderissone and Vmfra Sanderissone were summoned in 1479 to answer to parliament for treason."[1]

In England, the Sanderson surname was first found in county Durham. They were descended from Alexander, a Norman noble who had been granted lands in Waslington in the county of Durham and whose son took the surname James Saunderson. Whorlton in Durham was home to one branch of the family. "This place formed part of the forfeited estates of the Earl of Westmorland, and was purchased from the commissioners of the crown lands; the manor subsequently became the property of the Sanderson family."[1]

Also the parish of Saxby in Lincolnshire was home to the family since early times. "This place has long been in the possession of the Saundersons, now represented by the Earl of Scarborough.[1]

Ireland was an early home to many of the family. "The Saundersons of co. Cavan are descended from Alexander de Bedick of Waslington, co. Durham, whose son, James de Bedick, used the alias of Saunderson, from his father's Christian name. His descendants settled in the shires of Nottingham and Lincoln, and it is from the latter county that the Saundersons just mentioned derive themselves. The family of this name in co. Wicklow, claim that their ancestor came into England about the year 1270, and that he sprang 'from Robert, Lord of Innspruck, who was second brother of Rodolph, Count of Hapsburgh, and subsequently Emperor.' The founder of the family in Ireland was a follower of Cromwell."  [1]