Project Surnames
Parkerson, Parkeson, Parkinson, Parkison, Parkson
Project Background
Welcome to the FTDNA Parkison Project Website
Origin of the surname Parkison
It is by some believed to be a variant of Parkinson:
"Par" abbreviation of "Peter". "kin" diminuative (small), from Dutch.
Hence, "Parkin" -"little Peter. "Parkinson"-son of little Peter.
Name concentrated along east coast in midlands and northern England.
Lincolnshire, Lancashire, Yorks, Co Durham.
By others, that it is a variant of Parkerson:
"Parker" a Gamekeeper, "Parkerson"- son of Parker.
The Parkinson family originated in the border area of England and Scotland. By as early as 1625 had settled in Ireland according to one source, and has since spread thoughout the world.
We are a somewhat small group in relation to other surnames. The United States Census Bureau has the Parkinson surname ranked as #3,524, this surname is possessed by 0.003% of the population. And the Parkison surname is ranked at #15,089, and possessed by 0.001% of the population.
Some Noted Parkinson-Parkisons':
Sydney Parkinson (c. 1745-1771) Born in Edinburg, Scotland. Accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage. He made sketches of the botanical and zoological specimens observed. On January 26th, 1771, Sydney died and was buried at sea.
James Parkinson (1755-1824) Published numerous medical works. His most important was on the disease that was later named for him.
Several Parkisons served in the American revolution, including William and Daniel. Later, at least one Parkison was involved in the "Whiskey Rebellion" in western Pennsylvania. Benjamin Parkison was arrested but was later issued a pardon by President George Washington.