Surname Vorys - Meaning and Origin
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Vorys: What does the surname Vorys mean?
The surname Vorys is not common and its specific meaning or origin is unclear. It appears to have Eastern European roots, possibly from Hungary or Russia, indicating that it may originally have geographical, occupational, or familial significance based on traditional naming practices from those regions. Like many surnames, over time it becomes detached from its original meaning and primarily serves to indicate family relations. Some people bearing this surname have achieved prominence in the United States, particularly in politics and law. But without further specific information or genealogical research, it's impossible to provide a precise definition or origin story for the surname Vorys.
Order DNA origin analysisVorys: Where does the name Vorys come from?
The last name Vorys is most commonly found today in the United States. It is generally of American origin and is a variant spelling of the English surname Varis. It is associated with an American law firm Vorys, Sater, Seymour, and Pease, LLP, established in 1909. It has offices in seven states: Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas, Arizona, and New York.
The name Vorys has also been associated with other distinguished families and individuals, including statesman Senator John M. Vorys, renowned geology professor and paleontologist Orville Vorys, journalist Jean Vorys Pollock, and famous civil rights lawyer Peter M. Vorys.
It originated from the same root as the French surname Veris and the German surname Veroes, both of which are derived from the Old French term vaire meaning “wasp” or “bee”. These names indicate that a person with such a name is perhaps as determined, loyal, and industrious as a busy bee.
Despite its association with the law firm and distinguished individuals, the Vorys surname is still comparatively uncommon, as of the 2010 US Census only 809 Americans had the surname Vorys. This indicates that the family is still relatively small and may have findings in states that are not as populous.
Overall, due to the establishment of the law firm in 1909, the surname Vorys may be more recognized in certain states within the US. However, with the size of the family being quite small, this may not be the case in other states.
Variations of the surname Vorys
The surname Vorys is a very old European family name that originated in the early Middle Ages. It has been spelled in numerous ways, with the most common variants being Vory, Wory, Voorhees, Woores, Voorheys, and Vore.
Historically, a family belonging to the nobility would be called "von Vorys" in Germany and a family of servants would be called "von Woores". In England, the spelling "Vory" was used for the nobility and "Woores" for the servants.
The surname Vorys has also been spelled in various combinations, including Voris, Vorris, Worris, Worres, Vorher, Vorrey, and Vorry. In some cases, it is spelled with an "o" instead of an "a," such as Voorys, including Voorys and Voorhyss. Some branches of the family also spelled it Vorhis.
In addition, Vorys is sometimes confused with the surnames Voros, Varszegi, Voloszynski, and Voges. There are also several other surnames that have similar origins, such as Vorderman, Voorhies, Voormann, Voorhis, Voorheeses, and Voreis.
Today, the surname Vorys is still quite common in Europe, especially in Germany and England, and it is also found in many other countries around the world. It is an excellent reminder of the family’s long history.
Famous people with the name Vorys
- John M. Vorys: United States Representative from Ohio
- C. William O'Neill: Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court
- Paul Vorys: American lawyer and politician from Ohio
- E. Gordon Vorys: U.S. Army major general
- John C. Vorys: United States Representative from Ohio
- Elizabeth Vorys: President-elect of the American Bar Association
- Samuel Vorys: Former United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
- C. J. Vorys: United States Representative from Ohio
- George Vorys: United States Representative from Ohio
- S. K. Vorys: former Ohio state senator and businessman