Richerson

Richerson is a surname of English origin. It is a patronymic name formed from the given name Richard with the suffix -son, meaning “son of Richard.” The spelling Richerson is one of several medieval and modern variants; related forms include Richeson in some genealogies, though Richardson is typically treated as a distinct surname with a similar root.

The name appears in English records from the late medieval period onward, reflecting the broader practice of creating patronymic surnames. Variations in spelling arose from regional dialects and local record-keeping practices, a common pattern for English surnames of that era. Over time, bearers of the name migrated to other parts of the British Isles and to colonies, contributing to its presence in North America and other English-speaking regions.

Today, Richerson is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, with smaller concentrations in Canada and Australia. In the United States, instances of the surname appear among descendants of early settlers and in various states, mirroring broader patterns of migration.

Notable people with the surname include Peter J. Richerson, an American anthropologist known for his work on cultural evolution and co-authorship of Culture and the Evolution of Culture. He has been associated with academic work at institutions such as the University of California, Davis. Beyond this, public information on individuals with this exact surname is comparatively limited, and Richerson remains a relatively uncommon spelling compared with surnames like Richardson.