Surname Walworth - Meaning and Origin
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Walworth: What does the surname Walworth mean?
Walworth is an English surname believed to originate from a place name meaning "walled farm" in Old English. The components of the name are "weall", which means wall, and "worth", which denotes an enclosed settlement or farmstead. The origins of the surname can be traced back to the county of Durham in northeastern England, where there is a town named Walworth. It was typically bestowed on those who resided in or near such a location. Hence, individuals bearing the Walworth surname are likely to have ancestral roots linked to areas in England where similar characteristics of a "walled farm" were found. Like many other surnames, geographical mobility and the passing of time have spread the use of the Walworth name across different regions and countries, turning it into a part of the cultural identity of numerous families around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisWalworth: Where does the name Walworth come from?
The last name Walworth is most commonly seen in the United States and England today. In the United States, the most heavily concentrated areas with this last name are New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, California, and Washington. In England, the most heavily concentrated areas with this last name are Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire, and Gloucestershire.
The Walworth family is most likely descended from an Englishman with the same last name or some variation thereof. The origins of the Walworth family are difficult to trace due to their commonality in the area; however, it is possible to pinpoint their probable starting point. One source of information suggests that the Walworth family dates back to the mid-1500s, when the name is first seen recorded in Lincolnshire. Others speculate that the family may have descended from members of the de Valore family, who emigrated from France and settled in England in the 1200s; Walworth may then be a variation of Valore.
Regardless of its origins, the last name Walworth is still heavily present in these areas today, with over 500 individuals bearing the name being discovered in recent census records. Although each branch of the Walworth family may have a different story, a common thread binds them: a commitment to the values of family, community, and hard work.
Variations of the surname Walworth
The surname Walworth has several variants when it comes to spelling. Some of the most common variants of the surname include Wallworth, Walwort, Walword, Waelwyrth and Walwurth. Wallworth is the most widespread variation of the surname and is particularly seen in the United Kingdom. Other variations that can be seen are Walwort, Walword, Waelwyrth and Walwurth, which are typically seen in other counties.
In terms of surnames with the same origins, some of the most common are Wall, Walls, Waller and Walpole. Wall is a derivative of the Germanic word "wahl", which means “wall”. Walls is the same as Wall but adds the -s suffix, indicating it is a plural form of the word. Waller is a variation of Wall that is attributed to a wall builder or repairer. Lastly, Walpole is a version of the same surname, typically seen in North America.
Overall, the surname Walworth is very common and its various variants and surnames of the same origins have spread throughout the world.
Famous people with the name Walworth
- Arthur Walworth: Biographer known for his works about Woodrow Wilson and Theodore Roosevelt.
- Jack Walworth: Comedian, actor, and musician who was a finalist on Last Comic Standing in 2011.
- Jim Walworth: Producer and actor who is known for his work on I Got the Hook Up 2, Shenandoah, and Catherine the Great.
- Benjamin Walworth Arnold: American journalist, politician, and lawyer who served as mayor of Boston, Massachusetts during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Frank Walworth: United States Navy admiral who was in command of the United States Fleet from 1931-1933.
- Stephen Walworth: Congressman who represented New York from 1845-1849.
- Donald Walworth: Brigadier general in the United States Army Air Force who served in World War II and the Korean War.
- Moses Walworth: American pastor who founded the Presbyterian Church in America in 1973.
- Thomas Walworth: American lawyer and politician who served in the Connecticut General Assembly, as Secretary of State of Connecticut, and in the US House of Representatives.
- William Walworth: American businessman and philanthropist who founded the Walworth Company, an industrial valve and fittings manufacturer.