Carson m
Scottish and Northern Irish: transferred use of the surname, which is of uncertain derivation; in spite of its -son ending, it does not seem to be a true patronymic. The first known bearer is a certain Robert de Carsan (or de Acarson), recorded in 1276; the ‘de’ in his name suggests derivation from a placename, but no suitable candidates have been identified. Among Protestants in Northern Ireland, it is sometimes bestowed in honour of Edward Carson (1854–1935), the Dublin barrister and politician who was a violent opponent of Home Rule for Ireland. In America the popularity of the name may have been affected by the legendary Missouri frontiersman Kit Carson (1809–68).
First names dictionary. 2012.