Surname Westbrook - Meaning and Origin
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DNA Test Reveals Enriched Perspective on Personal Identity and Westbrook Heritage
Since receiving the results from my iGENEA DNA test, I've experienced a significant shift in how I perceive my personal identity and my heritage, with a particular focus on the meaning behind my surname, Westbrook.
S. Westbrook
read moreWestbrook: What does the surname Westbrook mean?
The last name Westbrook can be traced back to England and has been used as a surname since the medieval period. It originates from an Old English name meaning “west brook” or “the westerly stream.” The Westbrook name was likely given to someone who lived in an area where a westerly stream, river, or brook was present. It was common for people to use characteristics of their environment to give their surname.
Westbrook may also have originally been spelled as Westbrooke, Westbroc, or Westbroke. Throughout its history, it has evolved and shifted spellings due to various reasons. The name has been found in the United States since the 1600s, when English immigrants crossed the Atlantic. Today, the Westbrook name is found throughout the United States.
The surname Westbrook still holds true to its original meaning, “westerly stream.” It is a reminder of where the family came from and the environments they encountered during their travels. The Westbrook surname is one of many that signify our diverse and complex history.
Order DNA origin analysisWestbrook: Where does the name Westbrook come from?
The last name Westbrook is most commonly found in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, the Westbrook surname ranks as the 1306th most common surname in the US with approximately 36,000 people bearing the name, and is most heavily concentrated in the Southern states. Specifically, Georgia and Mississippi have the highest density of Westbrooks, containing 8.3 and 8.1 households per 1000 households respectively. Outside of the US, the Westbrook surname is known to be present in Germany, Canada, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Australia.
The earliest documented bearer of the Westbrook name in the US was Thomas Westbrook, who was recorded as living in Virginia in 1633. Since then, the Westbrooks have spread to all corners of the country, with the last name having a variety of spellings (e.g. Westbrooks or Westbrooke) across different states.
The Westbrook name has become more widespread and popularised in recent years, attributed to the emergence of various celebrities and renowned athletes such as Russell Westbrook, the National Basketball Association player.
Variations of the surname Westbrook
Westbrook is an English habitational surname derived from pre-7th century Old English words meaning “west brook or stream” and usually referring to someone who lived near a stream on the western side of the village.
The variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin for Westbrook include Westbrooke, Westbroke, Wesbrook, Westbrock, Wesbrooke, Wesbroke, Westbarke, Westbark, Westbarck, Wesbark, Wesbarke and Wesbarck.
Westbrook is also seen as a variant of Westbrock (Old German for “west brook”); Wesbruch, Westbruch (German for “west brook”); Westbroeck (Dutch/Low German for “west brook”); Westbrouck (Flemish for “west brook”); Westbruke (Scandinavian for “west brook”); Vestbrekk (Old Norse for “west brook”); and Westbrom (English for “west brook”).
The Westbrook family was first found in Yorkshire, England where they were found as early as the 12th century. A branch of the family went further south to Lincoln, and another branch migrated to Aberdeenshire, Scotland and was seen as a sept of the Clan Gordon.
The most common variations of Westbrook include Westbrooks, Westbrooke, Westbrock, Westbroeck, Westbrouck and Westbrook. In some cases, Westbrook is even seen as a variant of Westbrock (Old German for “west brook”). In Scotland, Westbrook is sometimes seen as a variant of Westbruch (German for “west brook”) or Vestbrekk (Old Norse for “west brook”).
Famous people with the name Westbrook
- Russell Westbrook: Russell Westbrook is a professional basketball player who currently plays for the Washington Wizards in the NBA. He has been an NBA All-Star eight times, and won an MVP award in 2017. He is well known for his electric, passionate playing style, which has earned him a large fan base and admiration from peers.
- Kelly Westbrook: Kelly Westbrook is a former professional basketball player who played for the Los Angeles Lakers. He played in the NBA for over 10 years, and was well-known for his defensive game and rebounding.
- Michelle Westbrook: Michelle Westbrook is an actress and musician who has had roles in hit films like Twister and The Matrix Reloaded. She has also released two albums, I'm Gonna Make You Love Me in 1999 and Make it Like It Was in 2002.
- Shannon Westbrook: Shannon Westbrook is a professional female bodybuilder and entrepreneur. She won the Ms. Olympia title in 2009, and has since become a motivational speaker and business coach.
- Melissa Westbrook: Melissa Westbrook is a popular American YouTube and Instagram influencer. She shares lifestyle and beauty tips with her followers on her various social media platforms.
- Brandi Westbrook: Brandi Westbrook is a former football player who had a short stint in the NFL playing for the San Diego Chargers. He also has held various coaching positions in college football.
- Jordan Westbrook: Jordan Westbrook is a professional 3-point shooter who currently plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA. He is known for his pinpoint accuracy from beyond the arc and for his leadership and energy.