Surname Wormwood - Meaning and Origin
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Wormwood: What does the surname Wormwood mean?
The last name Wormwood is derived from the Old English words wermōd or wearmōd, which mean "gall" or "bitter." This name likely originally described someone's personality or temperamental nature—someone who was bitter either in mood or speech. In English folklore, the name Wormwood refers to one of several species of plant, specifically those in the genus Artemisia, which have long been used to create herbal medicines and bitter flavors.
The name Wormwood also figures prominently in the Bible as a symbol of desolation and distress. In the Book of Revelation, the star called Wormwood fell from Heaven into the waters, poisoning them and killing many people. This symbol of destruction has been adopted in literature and film, with the name Wormwood conjuring images of darkness and despair.
In more recent times, the name Wormwood has been used to imply someone who is devious, deceitful, or cunning. In Charles Dickens' novel The Mystery of Edwin Drood, the antagonist called John Jasper is referred to as "Bellas Wormwood." The surname therefore is associated with a person of dubious character and motives who lacks compassion or trustworthiness.
Order DNA origin analysisWormwood: Where does the name Wormwood come from?
The last name Wormwood is not particularly common today. It is most widespread in the United States, with the highest concentrations found in California, New York, and Illinois, as well as smaller numbers in other states like Pennsylvania, Texas, and Georgia. It is also relatively common in Canada, primarily in British Columbia and Alberta, and has also been documented in other countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.
The surname Wormwood appears to have originated in England and is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "wormwode," which in turn is derived from Old English "wermōd", meaning "marsh plant." The name is often associated with the Biblical herb of the same name, and is thought to have been used as a nickname for someone who cultivated it.
The Wormwood family has a rich history and is connected to some of the most influential figures in British history. William Wormwood, who served King Charles II as a courtier and diplomat, is one such figure; his great-grandson, John Wormwood, was made a baronet in 1753.
The Wormwood name also appears in folklore. In the 17th century, the Wormwood family was thought to possess magical powers, having supposedly served as the “Lord of the Upper Air.” Today, the name is often seen as a symbol of strength and perseverance, with the ancient Wormwood tree still standing as a testament to the family’s endurance.
Variations of the surname Wormwood
Variants of the surname Wormwood include: Womwood, Wrymwood, Wrymwode, Wramwood, Wramwode and Wromwood. Common spellings of Wormwood include Wurmwoud, Wurmwood, Wurmwoode, Wurmwode, Wyrmwood and Wyrmwode.
Surnames of the same origin as Wormwood include: Wormolds, Wommelds, Wormouts, Wommelds and Wormo's.
The name Wormwood is derived either from the Middle English word ‘wurmwude’, meaning ‘a kind of wood or tree’, or from the Old English ‘wyrmwudu’, meaning ‘dragonswood’. It could also be of Old English origin, derived from the pre 7th century words ‘wyrm’ meaning ‘a dragon’, plus ‘wudu’ meaning ‘wood’, and may have been used to describe an area where dragons were thought to inhabit.
Wormwood was first recorded in England in the 11th century, and likely appeared in the locality of the same name in Cambridgeshire. It is an English surname of local origin that would have been given to those who originated from the locality.
Wormwood survived the Great Vowel Shift that occurred during the Middle English Period, but was subject to wide variations in spelling when being recorded. It is represented in records from as early as 1199, when a Walter Wurmwode is noted in Suffolk. Wurmwood is also used in Yorkshire 1379 when Hugh Wurmwood appears in 'The Feet of Fines for the County of York'.
Other plain versions of the surname include Wormold in 1379, when Petronilla Wormolds appears in 'The Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk', and Wurmwout in 1381 in 'The Subsidy Rolls of London'.
Famous people with the name Wormwood
- Erasmus Wormwood: He is a musician best known for being the bassist for the English rock band Bush.
- Hanna Wormwood: She is a classical pianist who has released several solo albums and performed with the Royal Scotish Orchestra.
- Simon Wormwood: He is an actor mostly known for his appearances in British science fiction films.
- Charles Wormwood: He is a British politician who was the leader of the Conservative Party from 1978 to 1979.
- Doctor Wormwood: He is a fictional character from the Doctor Who series, appearing in the episode "The Green Death".
- Abraxas Wormwood: He is a fictional character in the Swiss Family Robinson series.
- William Wormwood: He was an English composer who wrote a number of notable works in the 1700s.
- Pam Wormwood: She was a fashion designer who was part of the British Designer Collective in the 1970s.
- Uncle Wormwood: He is a character from the comic book series The Sandman, appearing in several issues.
- Mr. Wormwood: He is a character from the musical, Matilda, based on the book of the same name.