Donaldson

Donaldson is a surname of Scottish origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle English word 'donsel', which means 'servant'. The 'don' part of the name comes from the Old English word 'ðeorn', meaning 'thorn bush' or 'thicket'. The name Donaldson was originally given to a servant who worked for someone with the surname Donald. Over time, the name became hereditary and was passed down through generations. There are several notable people with the surname Donaldson throughout history. One of the earliest recorded instances is Alexander Donaldson, a Scottish printer and publisher who was born in the late 18th century. He is known for his role in the famous legal battle over copyright law, the "Donaldson v. Beckett" case. In more recent times, some well-known people with the surname Donaldson include American actor Brad Pitt's father, William Arthur "Bill" Donaldson II; Scottish footballer Kenny Miller; and Australian politician Michael Donaldson.