The surname of ALDERSON was a baptismal name 'the son of Aldus' an ancient but now forgotten font name. Following the crusades in Europe in the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries, a need was felt for a family name to replace the one given at birth, or in addition to it. This was recognized by those of noble birth, and particularly by those who went on the Crusades, as it added prestige and practical advantage to their status. When the coast of England was invaded by William The Conqueror in the year 1066, the Normans brought with them a store of French personal names, which soon, more or less, entirely replaced the traditional more varied Old English personal names, at least among the upper and middle classes. A century of so later, given names of the principal saints of the Christian church began to be used. It is from these two types of given name that the majority of the English patronymic surnames are derived and used to this day.

Early records of the name mention John Aldeson, who registered at Oxford University in the year 1554 and a man of the same name was registered in the year 1591. Richard Alderson was baptised at St. James's, Clerkenwell, London in the year 1620. In 1634 Anthony Alderson and Margaret Askell received their marriage licence in London. William Alderson, a clerk from 1766, is documented in Brand's Hist. of Newcastle-on-Tyne. The associated arms are recorded in Sir Bernard Burkes General Armory. Ulster King of Arms in 1884. Between the 11th and 15th centuries it became customary for surnames to be assumed in Europe, but they were not commonplace in England or Scotland before the Norman Conquest of 1066. They are to be found in the Domesday Book of 1086. Those of gentler blood assumed surnames at this time, but it was not until the reign of Edward II (1327-1377) that it became common practice for all people.