Derived from the Ancient Greek name Alexander, meaning "the Protector of mankind" the name probably dates back before 1300 BC., to the Hittit Tribe. The name was first introduced into Scotland circa 1050 and three Scottish Kings have carried the personal name. As a surname "Alexanders Son" first appears in Scotland in the mid 15th Century, whilst in 1472, John Sanderson purchased the Lands of Lethindy (Athol). In 1479, Whilst William Sanderisson was summoned to the Scottish Parliament for Treason. The surname spelling has always varied, Sandrisson and Snaderisone being other examples, the modern spellings being Sanderson, Saunderson, Sandeson and Sandison. The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Johannes Sandrison. which was dated 1434, at Kincardine, Scotland. during the reign of King James l of Scotland, 1406 - 1437. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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