Surname Essworthy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'E'
Essworthy: What does the surname Essworthy mean?
The surname Essworthy doesn't appear in traditional surname directories or in prominent genealogical databases, suggesting it is likely rare or possibly a variant of a more common surname. The meaning, origin, or etymology of Essworthy cannot be definitively confirmed due to its rarity. Many surnames are derived from professions, locations, paternal names, or character traits, so it could be speculated that if it were a traditional English surname, 'Essworthy' might possibly mean "worthy of Ess" or "worthy one from a place called Ess."
However, without validated sources, the above is only hypothetical. It is recommended for those interested to seek professional genealogical advice or perform more comprehensive research, especially if this surname could have spelling variants or non-English origin. Alternatively, this could be a recent or modified surname, in which case it may not have a historical or etymological meaning beyond its designated family usage.
Order DNA origin analysisEssworthy: Where does the name Essworthy come from?
The last name Essworthy is most prevalent today in the United Kingdom. The name is unique to the British Isles, with records of it only occasionally showing up elsewhere.
According to the Office for National Statistics, the last name Essworthy is found in the highest concentrations in the counties of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Beyond the UK, there are very small numbers of people with this last name found in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Though the last name Essworthy is not common today, it does have its own history and origin. The name likely originated in the southwest of England in the 13th century. Different historical records state that the name came from the Old English words “ease” and “worthy” which effectively mean a “valuable ease”. It is probable that the family was most likely of noble descent.
Another possible source of the last name is that it is derived from the French words “es” meaning twice or again, and “worthy” meaning worthy or valor. This link originates from a French family who settled in the UK in the 11th century.
Lastly, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the last name Essworthy most likely expanded in the southwest of England due to increased age for migration and employment.
In conclusion, the last name Essworthy is most prominently found in the UK originates from the 13th century and could possibly from French and old English descent. Small amounts of people with this last name can occasionally be found beyond the British Isles.
Variations of the surname Essworthy
Essworthy is a celebration of banking family heritage. While the name has seen various transformations over the years, it still shows a deep sense of pride, and regard for those with those origins.
Essworthy’s variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin vary by region, but all highlight the history and prestige of the name. Different versions included: Essworth, Esseworthe, Essotford, Esserford, Essington, Essemworth, Esseworme, Essemore and Essom.
Variations of Essworthy in Scotland, England, Northern Ireland and Wales have been used through the centuries. Since the surname is mainly sourced from Middlesex, in England, spelling variations such as Essmore and Essemore were also found in early English records.
In England, a phonetic spelling frequently found of the surname is Essing, and variations like Essexford, Essenton, and Essington have also been found. In Scotland, variations such as Esswordie, Esserton, and Esretone can be found.
Essworthy has seen an emergence across the Atlantic, especially in the United States and Canada, with such spelling variations as Esserton, Eston and Essington. The surname has also seen a resurgence in Ireland with such spelling variations as Essman, Essmunn, and Essamore.
Essworthy marks a heritage of pride and prestige and through the centuries it has seen many changes in their spellings and variants. Whether it’s found in England, Scotland, Ireland or the Americas, Essworthy serves as a reminder of the rich history behind the name.
Famous people with the name Essworthy
- William A. Essworthy (1877-1948): He was a minister and university professor who had an endowment fund bearing his name.
- Charlotte Essworthy (1842-1917): She was a noted educator in the Massachusetts town of Taunton.
- William Joseph Essworthy (1863-1942): He was a Mechanical Engineer, inventor and entrepreneur who was the founder of the Essworthy Machine Shop.
- Emerson Essworthy (1878-1937): He was an American poet, literary critic and professor at Wayne University.
- John Essworthy (1789-1842): He was a British teacher who moved to the United States in 1814 and set up a school in Washington, D.C.
- J.H. Essworthy (1886-1965): He was a British-American labor organizer and union leader in the early 20th century.
- Orin Essworthy (1853-1933): He was a self-taught chemist who developed a process for refining sugar in 1907.
- Ephraim Essworthy (1830-1890): He was a banker and entrepreneur who established a successful hatmaking business in England in 1864.
- Wilfred Essworthy (1841-1909): He was a prominent barrister and English politician who represented the Liberal Party in the House of Commons.
- Cecil Essworthy (1870-1918): He was a British aviator and one of the pioneers of military flight.