The surname "Atkinson" is of English origin, derived from the medieval given name "Atkin," which is a diminutive form of "Adam." It typically means "son of Atkin" and has been used as a family name since the 13th century. The name is most commonly found in England, particularly in the northern regions. Atkinson is also a relatively common surname in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. Notable individuals with this surname include Rowan Atkinson, a famous British actor and comedian known for his role as Mr. Bean, and David Atkinson, a prominent British businessman.