Surname Whorton - Meaning and Origin
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Whorton: What does the surname Whorton mean?
The surname Whorton is said to have originated in Scotland, derived from the old personal name Worth, which is of early medieval origins. The name Worth is a variant of the name “Worthe”, a name formed from the Germanic word “wurt”, which means “guard” or “watchman”. As such, the Whorton family name may have started as an occupational surname, indicating someone who was a guard or protector of some kind.
Once the family migrated to England and then to America, the name began to take different forms, including Wharton and Whorton. As time went on, the family settled in parts of Virginia and North Carolina, where the name has been found the most.
Today, Whortons are prominent and respected members of their local communities, making their mark in all kinds of areas, including business, politics, science, law, and the arts. They’re known for their hard work, intelligence, and willingness to help others.
The meaning of the surname Whorton is one of protection and guardianship. It’s a reminder of the family’s legacy, and a reminder that we owe our success to those who have come before us.
Order DNA origin analysisWhorton: Where does the name Whorton come from?
The last name Whorton is mainly found today in the United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, the number of people with the last name Whorton in America is 1,133. Nearly 70 percent of Whorton's live in the South, with the most in Texas (232). Other states where there is a noticeable amount of people with the last name Whorton are Georgia (128), Tennessee (117), and Alabama (86). Just a few other states that have residents with the surname include California (51), Mississippi (48), and Virginia (34).
The surname is also present in the United Kingdom, with 52 people bearing the name, most of which are located in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is also found in Canada, with 72 people having the last name, and Australia, with 8 people.
As a whole, the Whorton family originated from the south of England, in the areas of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. The origin of the name is associated with the old English words "wroht" meaning a worker, and "tun" which is a settlement. It is likely, then, that this surname was adopted by someone who moved into a settlement and intended to work there. As the family grew over time, it eventually spread to other countries as people sought out new opportunities and a better life.
Variations of the surname Whorton
The surname Whorton has several variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin. The most common variants for Whorton include Wharton, Wherton, Wartin, and Wharton. Spellings of Whorton may also appear as Whorten, Whorton, Whortin, Woorten, and Woorton.
There are several other surnames of the same origin as Whorton. These include Warfield, Worton, Worthington, and Worthy. These surnames may have been adopted by descendants of the original Whorton family looking to differentiate themselves.
Other surnames may be derived from a geographical location or have been adopted from another family over the centuries. These surnames could include Wharton, Wharton-Wilkins, Warthen, Wharton-Gill, Steward, and Worsham.
Whorton is a surname with strong ties to England and the United States. The Whorton family is known to have been from Yorkshire, England in the 12th century and the first recorded use of the surname in the United States is from 1637.
Whorton is commonly found in county records from the early 1600s. Several members of the Whorton family have achieved success in a variety of fields including law, medicine, politics, and business.
Overall, the surname Whorton has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin associated with it. These variations include Wharton, Wherton, Wartin, Wharton, Whorten, Whorton, Woorten, Woorton, Warfield, Worton, Worthington, Worthy, Wharton-Wilkins, Warthen, Wharton-Gill, Steward, and Worsham. The first recorded use of the surname in the United States can be traced back to 1637.
Famous people with the name Whorton
- W.C. Whorton: former American actor, director, writer, and film producer best known for his action and war film credits.
- Clarence Whorton: former director and screenwriter of numerous television shows and movies, including Batman, The Bill Cosby Show, and MacGyver.
- Stephen Whorton: American actor known for his roles in The Help, The Fighting Temptations, and The Butler.
- Ruby Whorton: former singer and actress best known for her role as Rachel in the musical drama Fame.
- Arthur Whorton: American blues musician and songwriter who released five studio albums over the course of his career.
- Harrison Whorton: former professional football player who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1965 to 1966.
- Steven Whorton: award-winning American photographer and filmmaker, known for his work with The New York Times, National Geographic, and Sony Music.
- Robert Lee Whorton: Sergeant of the United States Air Force who served in the Vietnam War and was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross for his strong leadership.
- Louis Whorton: actor who has appeared in films like A River Runs Through It, The Lion King 2, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
- Ernie Whorton: Grammy Award-winning producer and engineer who has worked with Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Paula Abdul.