Surname West - Meaning and Origin
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From Staring Westwards: A personal journey of heritage discovery through iGENEA DNA testing
My understanding of personal identity and heritage have changed significantly following the results of my iGENEA DNA test, which has demonstrated a significant connection to the surname West. This revelation has allowed me not only to reevaluate my personal identity but has further shaped my understanding of my historical heritage.
F. West
read moreWest: What does the surname West mean?
The surname West is of English and German origin. As a topographic name, it was often given to someone who lived to the west of a settlement or to someone who had migrated from the west. Making use of the cardinal points was a common practice in the Middle Ages to help distinguish between individuals bearing the same personal name within a local community. Furthermore, it could also be a locative surname for somebody from the region of Weste in Lower Saxony, Germany. As occupational names were derived from the principal object associated with the activity of the original bearer, in this case, "West," might be related to a person who worked in a position facing the west. Overall, the meaning of the surname West mostly indicates a connection with direction, location, or occupation.
Order DNA origin analysisWest: Where does the name West come from?
The last name West is most commonly found in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. In the United States, West can be found in almost every state across the nation.
According to the most recent U.S. Census, the states with the highest percentage of Wests are North Carolina (0.97%), Maine (0.76%), Alabama (0.75%), Mississippi (0.73%), and Arkansas (0.71%). In most of these states, the largest concentrations of Wests are around rural areas and small towns.
In the United Kingdom, the most common counties for Wests are East Sussex, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, and Oxfordshire.
In Australia, West is most commonly found in New South Wales and Queensland.
Finally, in Canada, the provinces with the highest concentration of Wests are Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario.
Overall, the West name is still quite popular today in many countries. It's especially prevalent in rural areas, small towns, and parts of Appalachia.
Variations of the surname West
The surname West has numerous variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Weast, Wast, Weste, Westt, and Westy, all of which are versions of the same surname.
Another variant is Wertz, which is a German form of the name West. This is typically a form of the name from the Hesse region of Germany. Werts is also another German version of the name, originating from the Lower Rhine region.
The Welsh version of the surname is Gwest. This version of the name usually originated from the Exmoor region in the southwest of England.
In Ireland, Wesst and Westie are two often-used variants of the surname. These two variations of the name usually originate from the Ulster region of the country.
Finally, Westby, Westbury, and Westcot are all variations of the name that originate from northern England. Westby is usually found in Lancashire, Westbury is usually found in Yorkshire, and Westcot is usually found in Cheshire.
Overall, the origin of the surname West is quite varied, and the surname has multiple variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. Thus, the origin of the surname West is quite diverse, allowing for many different ways to spell the same name.
Famous people with the name West
- Kanye West : Kanye West is an internationally known rapper, singer, songwriter, fashion designer, producer, and entrepreneur. He has won a total of 21 Grammy awards.
- Rob West: Rob West is an American actor and director of stage, film, and television. He is perhaps best known for his recurring roles in shows such as The West Wing and Hannah Montana.
- Kim West: Kim West is an American television presenter and Talk Show host for CNN, ABC, CBS, and NBC. She is well-known for her light-hearted hosting style and infectious smile.
- Maurice West: Maurice West is a Dutch DJ, record producer, and musician. He has released songs that have featured in the Billboard Hot 100, and is a two-time winner of the DJ Awards for ‘Best Solo Artist’.
- Adam West: Adam West was an American actor most widely known for his portrayal of the iconic Batman in the 1960s TV series, and also in several other TV, film, and stage roles.
- Jabby West: Jabby West is a Canadian actress best known for her roles in the movies ‘The Sink’, ‘Night at the Louvre’, and ‘Second Nature’.
- Mary West: Mary West is an American actress who has appeared in multiple films and television shows. She is best known for her roles in the television shows 'Quantico' and 'Army Wives'.
- Emily West: Emily West is an American singer and songwriter who came to popularity on the hit show America’s Got Talent. She has released multiple studio albums and received prestigious awards such as the Hollywood Music in Media Award.
- Jerry West: Jerry West is a retired American professional basketball player. He is an NBA champion, 14-time NBA All-Star, and a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
- Eileen West: Eileen West is an acclaimed fashion designer who specializes in creating comfortable lingerie and sleepwear. Her designs have been featured in numerous magazines, websites, and television ads.