Surname Gleason - Meaning and Origin

Exploring Gleason Origins: An Emotional Discovery Through iGENEA DNA Test

A sentimental journey into my heritage discovered through iGENEA DNA Test, substantiating generational tales, and amplifying my pride in my surname, Gleason.

G. Gleason

Gleason: What does the surname Gleason mean?

The surname Gleason is of Irish origin, derived from the Gaelic name "O'Glasain." The prefix 'O' signifies 'descendant of', while 'Glasain' is taken from the root ‘glas’ which means ‘green’, ‘blue’, or ‘grey’. Thus, the name can be interpreted as "descendant of the green one" or "son of the grey one". It suggests that the original bearer of the name may have been associated with the color green, possibly indicating an individual who wore green clothes or had green eyes. The surname has different variations including Gleeson, Glissane, and Glison. Historically, the name was largely found in County Tipperary, Ireland. It's a common surname in Ireland, the United States, and other English-speaking countries, and notable people with this surname include the American actors Jackie Gleason and Brendan Gleason.

Gleason: Where does the name Gleason come from?

The surname Gleason has its roots in Ireland, originating from the Irish clan name O'Glasáin or Gléasón. In Irish, the term "glas" means green, gray or silver, while the suffix "áin" signifies little one or descendant of, essentially indicative of smaller, green or gray-eyed ancestors. The name O'Glasáin was first documented in County Tipperary, Ireland. The name was later anglicized to Gleason when many Irish families emigrated to the United States, Canada, and other English-speaking regions during the Irish Famine in the mid-1800s.

Today, the largest concentration of individuals with the surname Gleason can be found in the United States, particularly in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, the presence of the name is more prevalent in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. Despite its Irish origins, the last name Gleason is much less common in Ireland today, although it can still be found in certain areas.

Variations of the surname Gleason

The surname Gleason has several variations and related surnames. Variants include Gleeson, Gleeson, Gleson, Gleazen, and Gleaseon. Some widely used spellings of the surname include Gleeson and Gleason with the former being more common in Ireland and other parts of Europe, while the latter is more common in the United States and other English-speaking countries.

The name has been Americanized in various ways, including Glesson, Glisson, Gleasman, and Gleesman. Variations could also manifest in misspellings based on phonetics, like Gleasen, Gleesun, or Gleasonn.

The surname originally derived from the Gaelic name "O Glasain" or "O Gliasain". The prefix "O" indicates "descendant of". Hence, there are other surnames of the same Gaelic root such as Glasain, or Gliasain.

The Gleason surname has been hyphenated in some families to combine with other surnames, creating variations such as Gleason-Smith or Smith-Gleason.

However, it's important to note that while these surnames might be related, the connections aren't always clear-cut, and genealogical or DNA research may be necessary to establish a definite link.

Famous people with the name Gleason

• Jackie Gleason: An American comedian, actor, and musician known for his role in the sitcom "The Honeymooners".
• Paul Gleason: An American film and television actor, known for his role in the movie "The Breakfast Club".
• Joey Gleason: An American television and film actor.
• Larry Gleason: An American film actor prominent in the 1920s.
• Gilda Gleason: An American silent film actress.
• Cynthia Gleason: A renowned American plant pathologist.
• Suzanne Gleason: An American mathematician.
• Jason Gleason: American musician, former lead vocalist for the rock band Further Seems Forever.
• Bill Gleason: An American professional baseball player from the 19th century.
• James Gleason: An American actor and playwright.
• Steve Gleason: A former professional American football player diagnosed with ALS, who became an advocate for those suffering from the disease.
• Geraldine Gleason: Co-founder of the Coalition of Labor Union Women.
• Peter Gleason: A judge on the New York Court of Appeals.
• Mike Gleason: A professional skateboarder.
• Megan Gleason: A figure skater.
• Terry Gleason: A comic book inker.
• Chris Gleason: A well-known contemporary American author.
• Charlotte Henry Gleason: A noted American actress.
• Brendan Gleason: An Irish actor and film director.
• Heather Gleason: Prominent American painter.

Other surnames

GaalGaalayGaalenGaaleyGaalyGaarmannGabbardGabberGabbertGabeGabehartGabelGäbelGabelbergerGabeleGäbeleGäbeleinGabelenzGabelerGäbelerGabellGabelmannGabelsbergerGabeltGäbeltGabeneschGabenischGabenneschGaberleGäberlein