This surname is derived from a nickname. ' the son of the reeve'; Anglo-Saxon gertfa. Yorkshire is the true early home of this name. It is quite possible that Gregson (from Gregory) may have become modified to Gresson in some few cases. Geoffrey, also, may make its claim felt. But, in general, we are bound to assume judging by the evidence given below, that Grayson and his confreres are descendants of the old English grreve; compare Wrightson, Taylorson, Herdson, Hindson, &c. v. Grave (a).

Alicia Grayfdoghter, 1370: Poll Tax of Yorkshire.

Willelmus Grayf, 1379: ibid.

Johannes Grayfson, 1379: ibid.

Agnes Grayfwyf, 1379: ibid.

Thomas Graytson, 1379: ibid.

Emma Grefeson, 1379: ibid.

Thomas Graysson, 1379: ibid.

Thomas Grayfson, 1379: ibid.

Johannes Graueson, 1379: ibid.

Johannes Graue, 1379: ibid.

Mary Grayson, Yorkshire: Deposition from York Castle (Surtees Society).

Cuthbert Greyson (or Greveson), 1516: Register of the University of Oxford.

John Graveson, of Warton, 1565: Lancashire Wills at Richmond.

Gervas Graveson, of Yealand Stors, 1593: ibid.

George Grayson, of Salwicke, 1639: ibid.

John Greason, of Lancaster, 1637 ibid.

Pamell Greyson, of Salwick, 1668: ibid.

All these names manifestly belong to one stock, and settle the matter, if any controversy existed. For two corrupted forms, v. Grayshon and Gration.

The Griersons of Lag, Dumfriesshire, claim descent from Gilbert, second son of Malcolm, dominus de MacGregor, who is said to have died in 1374, but, says Col. Fergusson, "there is no evidence or foundation for the story commonly current that this family was an offshoot of the Highland family of MacGregor" (Lairds of Lag, p. 16—17). Gilbert Greresoun who had a grant in 1411 of Mekildaltoun and Dormont from Archibald, earl of Douglas may be the Gilbert Grierson who had a charter of the lands of Drumjoan in the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright from Princess Margaret, daughter of Robert III, widow of the fourth earl of Douglas dated April 1429 (Celt. Mon., VIII, p. 239). William Grerson had a safe conduct into England, 1451 (Bain, IV, 1232). Robert Greresoune in Drumfreis had a remission for the slaughter of Sir John Mc brare, chaplain, 1502 (Trials, I, p. 39). John Greyson or Grierson, provincial friar of Blackfriars in Perth, c. 1526—59, appears in record as Gresone, Gresoune, Greisoun, Greysoun, and Griersoun, the last his own signature (Milne, p. 137,232, 236). As John Greirsoune he appears as professor of sacred theology, 1557 (Friars Ayr, p. 96). Andrew Grierson was factor to the earl of Glencairn in 1671 (Just. Rec., II, p. 59). In a list of papists which was given in to the presbytery of Kincardine O'Neil in 1704 many names are given of the Griersons alias M'Gregors of Glengairn (Jervise, II, p. 167). Of Sir Robert Grierson of Lag, who figures in Scott's Redgauntlet, many tales were told of his severity and bloodthirstiness by the peasantry of Galloway. See Gresoun.

Grier's Son: v. Grier.

The son of Gregor; descended from the clan Gregor. B.L.G. under Macadam.

The son of Greer or Gregor; the same as McGregor.

Grayson is a characteristic Yorkshire name. A vicar of St. Martin's, York, during the reign of Elizabeth, bore this name (D.).