Surname Silverthorn - Meaning and Origin

Silverthorn: What does the surname Silverthorn mean?

The surname Silverthorn is of English origin and is considered to be a topographic name. The term "Silver" is derived from the Old English word "seolfor," meaning silver, which often symbolizes wealth, clarity, or skill. The term "Thorn" comes from the Old English "thorn" which means a thorn tree or a hawthorn. The name is likely given to families who dwelt near an outstanding silver thorn bush or tree, which is possibly known for its distinctive silver-like appearance or is a kind of tree featuring silvery bark or leaves. The surname may also have been an occupational or nickname for someone who worked with silver, for example, a silversmith or a worker in a silver mine, who lived near a thorn bush or a grove of thorn trees. Thus, Silverthorn could symbolize the connection between the people who bore this surname and their natural surroundings.

Silverthorn: Where does the name Silverthorn come from?

The last name Silverthorn is predominately a British surname and is relatively common in England, particularly the Midlands and North of the country. It is also found in smaller numbers in Scotland and Wales, as well as in the United States, Australia, and Canada.

In the United States, the name Silverthorn is most popular in states such as Florida, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. In Canada, it is most common in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia.

Interestingly, the origin of the name is very old and based in ancient Germanic roots. In Old High German, the prefix ‘silv’ referred to a species of mistletoe known as Viscumalbum. The word ‘thorn’ likely refers to the spiny nature of the plant, as well as its habit of growing on thorn bushes.

People with the last name Silverthorn can trace their heritage back to northern Europe through the use of the given name as an indicator. While its origin is ancient, it has become more modernized both in the use of its spelling and in its distribution over the world. It is now a relatively common name throughout Europe and North America, as well as in other countries.

Variations of the surname Silverthorn

Silverthorn is a common surname derived from an old English word for a thistle plant. It has different spellings and variants depending on the origin of the name.

The most common variant for Silverthorn is Silverthorne. It is the traditional spelling used in England and most of the countries of the British Isles. It is also commonly used in some Central European countries such as Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.

The variant spelling Silvertorn is also common, as is Silvertorne. This spelling is often used in northern Europe, but it is not as common as the Silverthorn or Silverthorne one.

The variant spelling Silverthorn is sometimes used in Eastern and Southern European countries, as well as in the United States and Canada. It is the most widespread spelling of the name, and it is also the spelling used in Australia and New Zealand.

Other variant spellings include Silverstone, Silverstonee, Silvertone, Silvertowne, and Silverton. There are also spelling variations like Sillverthorn, Silvorthorn, and Sylverthorn, although these are less common.

The surname Silverthorn is also used as a given name. Other surnames which derived from the same Old English thistle plant are Silverthwaite, Silvertail, and Silverhawk.

Famous people with the name Silverthorn

• Dylan Silverthorn: Broadway Performer and Recording Artist
• Nicole Silverthorn: Award-winning Canadian Singer
• Chris Silverthorn: American Actor
• Emily Silverthorn: Former Professional Beach Volleyball Player
• Edward Silverthorn: British Author and Historian
• Jennifer Silverthorn: Theatrical Artist and Producer
• Jack Silverthorn: Canadian Hockey Player
• Graeme Silverthorn: Canadian Musician
• Mark Silverthorn: British Actor
• Emily Silverthorn: Canadian Skier

Other surnames

Silverthorne