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Atkinson. Name derived from the Vikings. Aitkin - being Viking for 'little man' in a humourous/awsome meaning i.e. it means Big Man. The story tells of a Viking immigration to this country in the year 996. The family/tribe made their way across country to settle in Borrowdale in the Lake District. 'Aitkin' was the tribal leader/chief. About the year 1096 Prince William (son of King William First) brought an army north to fight the Scots. They did not join battle and William could not return home with a victory. He heard of this Viking tribe in the Lake District and decided to fight them instead to gain the glory he desired. Aitkin, heard of the planned battle. He decided to defend the enterence to their valley with all available warriors, giving the women and some of the men a chance to escape out of the other end of the valley. Aitkin and his warriors were all killed - Prince William had his victory and his glory. Those of the viking tribe who escaped and survived all added 'son' to their name becoming Atkinson - to forever remember their Chief's vallor. A grand story don't you think! The Viking burial mound can be found at the entrance to Borrowdale in the Lake District and has been excavated by Leeds University. Viking Warriors were found together with some of their weapons. One, a huge two handed sword has engraved in runes along it's blade the words 'Wave Flame'- a magnificent name for a warroirs weapon.