Passon

The surname Passon is believed to have originated in England, with the earliest records dating back to the late 13th century. It is thought to be a derivative of the Old French word "passer," meaning "to pass" or "to cross," and may have been an occupational surname given to someone who worked as a ferryman or toll collector at a crossing point.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Passon can be found in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire from 1275, which mention a William Passon. The name also appears in various other medieval records, such as the Lancashire Inquests of 1311, which reference a Robert Passon.

In the 14th century, the name was particularly prevalent in the counties of Staffordshire, Warwickshire, and Worcestershire, with several Passon families residing in villages and towns throughout these regions. One notable individual from this era was John Passon, a landowner from Staffordshire who was mentioned in the Court Rolls of 1348.

As the name Passon evolved over time, it took on various spellings, such as Passhon, Passun, and Paschon. These variations can be found in records from the 15th and 16th centuries, including the Lay Subsidy Rolls of 1524, which list a Thomas Passun from Warwickshire.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Passon surname continued to spread across England, with several notable bearers emerging. One such individual was Richard Passon, a merchant from London who was involved in the wool trade and mentioned in the Port Books of 1592. Another was William Passon, a clergyman who served as the Rector of Stoke Dry in Rutland from 1615 until his death in 1642.

In the 18th century, the Passon name appeared in various parish records and local histories, with families residing in counties such as Gloucestershire, Somerset, and Worcestershire. One notable individual from this period was Thomas Passon, a farmer from Gloucestershire who was born in 1721 and lived until the ripe old age of 92.

As the centuries passed, the Passon surname continued to be carried by individuals from various walks of life, including farmers, tradesmen, and professionals. Some notable bearers of the name in more recent history include:

1. John Passon (1856-1932), an English architect who designed several notable buildings in London and the surrounding areas. 2. Mary Passon (1892-1976), a British writer and poet known for her works on nature and the countryside. 3. James Passon (1904-1989), a British businessman and philanthropist who founded the Passon Foundation, which supported various charitable causes. 4. Robert Passon (1921-2003), a British military officer who served in World War II and later worked as a civil servant. 5. Elizabeth Passon (born 1947), a British academic and historian who has written extensively on medieval England and the Plantagenet dynasty.