Surname Withers - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
A Deep Dive Into The Withers Lineage: My iGENEA DNA Test Experience
Embark on a journey with me as I navigate my way through the annals of my genealogical past, unearthing the Celtic roots of the Withers clan, my intriguing haplogroup, and surprising connections with distant relatives using the iGENEA DNA test.
F. Withers
read moreWithers: What does the surname Withers mean?
The surname Withers is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from Old English term 'wither', meaning 'against' or 'contrary'. It originally arose as a nickname, likely given to a person who was difficult or contrary in their nature or who lived at a location that was against or contrary in some way, such as a hill against the wind. The slight variations in the spelling of the surname over centuries include Wythers, Wither, and Wyther. Historical instances of this surname can be traced back to Lancashire in Northern England as early as the 14th century. As with many surnames, additional meanings may exist depending on geographical and historical context.
Order DNA origin analysisWithers: Where does the name Withers come from?
The last name Withers can be found across the world today. In the United States, Withers is the 804th most common surname, representing 0.011% of the population. Withers is also especially common in England, Wales, and Australia, where it ranks in the top 400 most common last names in each country.
In England, the last name primarily originates from Wiltshire and Hampshire, which are located in southern England. Here, it is believed to have derived from Anglo-Saxon origins, as a name derived from the word "wither," meaning twigs. Withers is also thought to have originated from Irish and Scottish Gaelic settlers who used the name as a nickname for those who are thin.
In the United States, the last name is most commonly found in the states of Mississippi, Alabama, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Arkansas. These states were originally part of the original colonies and/or were heavily populated by immigrants in the past. It is also found in greater numbers in Pennsylvania, the home of one of the earliest branches of the Withers family.
Overall, Withers is a name that is still quite common around the world today, with a history that dates back to the early days of Europe.
Variations of the surname Withers
The surname Withers has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. These include Weathers, Witherspoon, Widders, Widderspoon, Wethers, Wetzels, Wethiers, Whidders, Whidderspoon, Witers, Widers, Wides, Widgers, Widjers, Witty, Witerz, Wits, Wets, Wethis, Witsitz, Whitcher, Witherow, Wethridge, Widry, Witherell, Widdris, and Withero.
The surname Withers is of Anglo-Saxon origin, which means 'one from the withers'. The withers are the highest point of an animal's shoulder. The name is likely to have been given either to a person who lived near the river Wittering, or to a person who lived at the withers of a hill. The Withers surname was also used to denote a herdsman or livestock handler.
The surname Withers is most common in Britain but can also be found in several other countries, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. It is also a common name in Germany, where it is spelled Wieders.
The Withers surname has been borne by several notable figures, such as Charles Withers (1802-1876), a British geographer and cartographer; Isaiah Withers (1759-1843), a British portrait painter; and Henry Withers (1785-1839), an American stage magician.
Famous people with the name Withers
- Bill Withers: an iconic Grammy award-winning R&B, soul, and gospel singer-songwriter who is known for such hits as "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me"
- Clarence Withers: an American actor and director who was best known for his roles in action and suspense films of the 40s and 50s
- Heather Withers: a British actress who is known for her performance in the National Theatre’s production of “Hamlet”
- Jermain Withers: a New Zealand actor and film producer
- LoLo Withers: a member of the popular girl group TLC, best known for the hit songs "Waterfalls" and "No Scrubs"
- Peyton Withers: a film director responsible for creating the popular documentary series “American Greed”
- Richard Withers: a retired British diplomat and the brother of Wallis Simpson, for whom King Edward VIII of England abdicated the throne
- Roy Withers: a professional basketball player who was part of the Boston Celtics dynasty in the late 1960s
- Stedman Graham: an American author, entrepreneur, and public speaker who is perhaps best known for being Oprah Winfrey's longtime partner
- Will Withers: a British musician, producer, and songwriter who has worked with major artists such as Michael Jackson, Guns N' Roses, and Christina Aguilera.