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Surname Borthwick - Meaning and Origin

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Borthwick: What does the surname Borthwick mean?

The last name Borthwick is of Scottish origins. It is a locational surname derived from numerous places in the country. Borthwick is believed to be derived from the Old English terms 'burh' and 'wic' which together translate as 'stronghold in the dairy farm'. This name was likely to have been given to someone living near a fortified structure in a meadow where dairy was produced.

The first records of the name Borthwick date back to the 13th century in Scotland. During this time, the Borthwicks were a prominent family, owning a large estate and a castle in the county of Midlothian. The family also had a high presence within Scotland's political and business spheres, with many branches of the family developing a number of baronetcies, and even titles of nobility.

Today, the surname Borthwick remains common in the United Kingdom, in both Scotland and England. Outside of the United Kingdom, the surname is relatively uncommon, appearing intermittently across the United States, Canada, and Australia. In the United States, the earliest record of the surname Borthwick dates back to 1700s in the state of Massachusetts.

The surname Borthwick carries a sense of importance and tradition. It is an excellent reminder of the rich history, resilience and success of the Scottish people.

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Borthwick: Where does the name Borthwick come from?

The last name Borthwick is relatively common in Scotland, Ireland and Northern England today, with many families bearing the name tracing their ancestry back to the medieval Lowlands of Scotland.

Borthwick Castle in Midlothian, Scotland dates back to the 14th century and is where the first of the Borthwick family were recorded to have taken residence. Historians agree that it was the prominent land-owning family of Scotland during the 16th century, becoming increasingly influential and powerful in the political, military and religious arenas.

The name Borthwick is also common in many parts of the United Kingdom and the United States. In the former, the Borthwick family has extended it roots to England’s North West, while in the US it is most popular in the states of Texas, California, Iowa, and Ohio.

The Borthwick family is a much celebrated family, and its members have achieved remarkable milestones in different fields. Their influence in the political landscape of Britain and Northern Ireland is widely acknowledged, and their heroic involvement in the country's military ambition saw them gain the nickname ‘Bothies of the Borthwick'.

Today, the last name Borthwick is cherished and respected around the world, and its bearers can look back to centuries of illustrious history.

Variations of the surname Borthwick

The surname Borthwick is a topographic name, derived from a place located in Scotland. It is a name for someone who originally lived near or on a ridge. Variants of the surname include Borthwic, Borthwick, Borthwicke, Borwicke, Borthouck and Borthaw. It is a habitational name, derived from the Barony of Borthwick, situated in Midlothian.

Other variants of the surname Borthwick are Borwic, Borweck, Berwick, Burwick, Bixwick, Birchewick, Birchethwick, Birkewicke, Birkethwick, Barewick, Bearwicke, Bearthwick, Borwicke, Borwithe, Borthuick, Borthuwcke and Berthwike. Surnames of a similar origin are Bathwaite and Berwick.

The spelling of the surname has changed over time due to several reasons, such as local dialects, pronunciation alterations or even linguistic errors during the transcription of records. Other spellings of the surname which are derived from foreign languages are Bortewig (Borthwig, Bortvich), Bortwic, Bortwieck, Bortwicke, Borthoveck and Barthwick.

In addition, Scottish families were known to take on spelling variants of their surnames if they moved from one place to another. Therefore, many families have surnames with similar origins and spellings, but different meanings such as Bortholomey, Borthwill, Borthwool, Borthwicky, Borthwaxy, Borthwaky, Borthwalky, Borthwally and Borthwardy.

Overall, the surname Borthwick is recorded in various spellings, variants and surnames of related origins, providing an insight into its history.

Famous people with the name Borthwick

  • Sir William Borthwick, 11th Lord Borthwick: A Scottish aristocrat and the hereditary Chief of Clan Borthwick.
  • Jane Borthwick: A Scottish poet.
  • Anne Borthwick: A Scottish-born Australian photographer.
  • Thomas William Borthwick: A Scottish-born Australian World War I soldier.
  • Walter Borthwick: An Australian World War I soldier who served in the Australian Imperial Force.
  • Eleanor Borthwick: A Scottish poet and biographer.
  • William Borthwick, 9th Lord Borthwick: A Scottish aristocrat and a Member of Parliament for Edinburghshire.
  • Robert Borthwick: A Scottish professional golfer.
  • J. C. Borthwick: An Australian geologist and professor at the University of Queensland.
  • Ethel Borthwick: An Australian suffragette and campaigner for women's rights.
  • Andrew Borthwick: A Scottish footballer for Edinburgh City F.C..
  • Joe Borthwick: An English rugby union coach.
  • Alison Borthwick: A Scottish singer and actress.
  • Jamie Borthwick: An English actor.
  • Sancho Borthwick: A Scottish actor.
  • Jeanette Borthwick: A Scottish artist.
  • Alistair Borthwick: A Scottish author and broadcaster.
  • George Borthwick: A Scottish military campaigner during the Battle of Waterloo.
  • Gordon Borthwick: A Scottish painter who has had works exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy.
  • Linda Borthwick: A Scottish writer and journalist.

Other surnames

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