Surname Silverthorne - Meaning and Origin

Silverthorne: What does the surname Silverthorne mean?

The surname Silverthorne is of English origin and is derived from two Old English words - 'seolfor', which means 'silver', and 'thorn', which means 'thorn bush' or 'thorn tree'. This name was probably originally used as a nickname for someone with silvery gray hair, or metaphorically, for someone regarded as precious but prickly. Alternatively, it could be a topographic name for someone who lived near a particular silver-barked thorn bush or tree, or quite possibly, a locational name for individuals who hailed from various places throughout England with similar names. To conclude, surnames often provide fascinating historical insights into our ancestors' lives - their occupations, characteristics, or places of residence and Silverthorne is no exception. It is also a somewhat uncommon surname in the United States.

Silverthorne: Where does the name Silverthorne come from?

The last name Silverthorne is a locational surname derived from the extremely rare place name Silverthorn, which is believed to have originated in North Yorkshire, England. Currently, there are not a lot of people with the name Silverthorne still living in England today. A quick search of ancestry databases reveals only around 250 people living in England still have the Silverthorne surname.

However, the surname is more common in other countries, especially those with a propensity to anglicise and/or anglicise surnames. The United States is a popular destination for those with the surname Silverthorne, with around 800 people living there currently. A fairly large number of Silverthornes live in Canada, too – over 400, according to recent records.

In addition to these countries, there are a significant number of Silverthornes living in Australia and New Zealand, as well as small populations in parts of South America, such as Columbia and Venezuela. Silverthornes also appear in other countries, such as Germany, Italy, and Slovenia, as well as in parts of Africa and the Middle East.

No matter where the surname Silverthorne originates from, the chances are that today, Silverthornes will be found in many different parts of the world. Despite its relative rarity, the name Silverthorne appears to be enjoying an increase in popularity.

Variations of the surname Silverthorne

The surname Silverthorne is of English origin and is derived from a toponymic surname, which is a name derived from a location or geographical feature. Variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for the surname Silverthorne are Silverthorn, Silverthornes, Silverthorny, Silverthorny, Silvertorne, Silverthorns, Silverthornes, Silverthourn, Silvertorny, Silvertorns, Silvertornes and Silvertourn.

Silverthorne is primarily found in England. The earliest record of the name dates back to 1246 in Cheshire, County of Cheshire. In 1246, a William de Silverthorn was mentioned in Lancashire in the Pipe Roll. In 1350, a William Santterne was mentioned as living in Yorkshire in the Justice Rolls.

Throughout the centuries, Silverthornes were found in various parts of England such as Lancashire, Yorkshire, Suffolk, Devon, Essex, Lincolnshire and many other counties. The name has also been recorded in Scotland and Wales.

Silverthorne is commonly found as Silverthorn in Canada, Australia and the US. There are also other spellings like Silverthorny, Silvertorne and Silverthourn in Canada, Australia and the US. The spelling Silverthorns or Silverthornes has been found in several American and Canadian records.

In the 19th century, several Silverthornes emigrated to Canada, the US, Australia and New Zealand, often settling in the newly established colonies. These emigrants helped spread the name and its variations around the world. As a result, Silverthornes can be found in major cities around the world.

Famous people with the name Silverthorne

• Peter Silverthorne: American professional poker player
• Nate Silverthorne: Canadian professional golfer
• Jon Silverthorne: British film director and editor
• John Silverthorne: Canadian professional ice hockey player
• Chris Silverthorne: English actor
• Jason Silverthorne: Australian professional soccer player
• Mackenzie Silverthorne: Canadian Olympic gymnast
• Kasey Silverthorne: American attorney and animal rights activist
• Will Silverthorne: British actor
• Troy Silverthorne: Australian professional rugby player

Other surnames

Silverthorn