Surname Wort - Meaning and Origin
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Wort: What does the surname Wort mean?
The last name Wort is derived from the Old English word 'wyrt', which literally means “herb, root, or plant.” It was originally an occupational name referring to someone who worked with herbs or plants, such as a gardener or apothecary. Over time, the name may have lost its literal meaning and been used as a surname for any type of profession that involved the use of herbs or plants.
The surname Wort is primarily found in English-speaking countries, though it has spread to other countries over time. It is thought to have originated in the early Middle Ages, and records have been found in the United Kingdom dating back to 1180. It has also been found to be used in Germany, where it is spelled "Wurth".
Today, the last name Wort is a common one in the United Kingdom, and is also fairly common in the United States, Canada, and other countries around the world. It is often pronounced either "wert" or "wurt". The origin of the name is a reminder of the importance of plants and herbs in earlier times, as it was used to indicate someone who worked with them in some professional capacity.
Order DNA origin analysisWort: Where does the name Wort come from?
The last name Wort is most common in the United Kingdom, especially in England. It can also be found in the United States, Australia, and Canada, where it has spread from British settlers. The Wort’s have also been found in Europe, especially France, Germany, and Austria.
In the United Kingdom, Wort is most common in the area of the North West of England, from Cumbria to the Wirral. It is also fairly common in the cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow.
The surname is believed to come from an Anglo-Saxon origin and was likely a nickname given to an individual who made worts. Worts were applied to various ailments in medieval times and were thought to have healing properties.
The Wort surname has many variations such as Word, Wert, Wirt, and Wurt which can be found in many English counties. These variations may have been made to differentiate themselves from other Worts, or as a result of mispronunciation over the years.
Today, the Wort surname is fairly rare, with only approximately 1,500 people across the world bearing the name. However, if both current and past generations who have shared the name are taken into account, the number of individuals with this surname is much larger.
Variations of the surname Wort
The surname Wort has a number of variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.
The most common variants are Woort, Wortt, Woerth, Wörth, Wurt, Wurth, and Worth. All of these variants are likely related to the Old English word “weorth,” which means “enclosure.” This suggests that the name may have been derived from someone who lived near or was associated with an enclosure.
Woert, Wört, and Worttz are more rare variants that are believed to be derived from the Old German “Wurt,” meaning “farm estate.”
Additionally, surnames such as Wortham and Wotherspoon may stem from a combination of the Old English word “weorth” and the Old Norse “am,” meaning “homestead,” or the Old English “spoon,” meaning “younger or younger brother.”
All of these variants are believed to have been developed sometime during the 12th to 14th centuries in England. The spelling and pronunciations of the surname have since varied depending on the region and country in which the name has been used throughout history.
Famous people with the name Wort
- Fiona Wort: A British composer, educator and concert presenter, Fiona has been commissioned by ensembles such as the BBC Concert Orchestra and London Mozart Players.
- Al Wort: Al is a British writer and historian with a specialty in railroads and the East Midland Region.
- Dexter Wort: A professional dance coach, Dexter has an extensive background in dance education.
- Ryan Wort: Ryan is a British singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and record producer who has been actively working in music for more than fifteen years.
- Dudley Wort: Dudley is a British actor best known for his roles in multiple movies and television series in the early 2000s.
- Mandy Wort: Mandy is a British artist who has exhibited her artwork in numerous galleries around the UK.
- Chris Wort: Chris is a professional saxophonist based in London. He regularly performs in both jazz and studio settings.
- Jill Wort: Jill is an award-winning journalist and writer who has contributed to several British publications.
- Jay Wort: Jay is a British chef and restaurateur from Wales. He has owned multiple restaurants and teaches cooking classes.
- Tom Wort: Tom is a British professional footballer who has played for several teams in the United Kingdom.