Surname Worthy - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
DNA Test through iGENEA: An Emotional Voyage into my Family History
An iGENEA DNA test leads me on an emotional journey into my roots, transforming my view of my surname, Worthy, while forging a stronger connection with my lineage and instilling a newfound sense of pride. My perspective towards my family has profoundly evolved, making me more empathetic, appreciative and instilled with a sense of reverence for my ancestors.
Z. Worthy
read moreWorthy: What does the surname Worthy mean?
The last name Worthy is an English name that can be traced back to Old English pre 7th century origins. It was an occupational name for a person who was paid a wage for labour, derived from the Middle English phrase 'wurthi', meaning 'worthy' or 'valuable'. The surname is also believed to have been used as a nickname for someone who was respected or esteemed.
The Worthy family name is understood to have been most prominent in Hampshire, where branches date back to 1273, and also Lancashire, where branches date back to 1332. The surname Worthy is often associated with Yorkshire. The Worthy family is most likely of Norman descent – the Normans were the descendants of Northmen from Northern France who were given estates in Britain following the Norman Conquest of 1066.
The namesake Worthy has a variety of sources and meanings, suggesting all can enjoy a sense of respectability, wealth, and nobility. This is illustrated in the coat of arms of the Worthy family which features a shield with a black chevron between three boars’ heads. The crest displays a boar’s head with a chaplet around its neck, while the motto ‘Erecto semper stat’ which means ‘Always stand erect’.
Ultimately, the last name Worthy is steeped in a respect for hard work and value, implying those who bear it possess the nobility and respectability deserving of its roots.
Order DNA origin analysisWorthy: Where does the name Worthy come from?
The last name Worthy is commonly found throughout the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Worthy is the 19,976th most popular last name in the United States, representing 0.008% of the population. As of 2020, the most populous states where families with the last name Worthy live are Arkansas, Georgia, and North Carolina.
The surname Worthy is of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'worþig' meaning "worthy, honourable, reputable." It was probably used as a descriptor of a person's character rather than a familial name.
In England, Worthy is more common in the South and midlands, with the largest concentration found in the Gloucestershire region. Outside of America and Britain, the surname Worthy is found in Wales, Scotland, and Canada.
The Worthy family coat of arms originated in the 14th century, and consists of a blue shield with two silver lions facing each other, each with a black tongued gryphon at its feet. The crest features a griffin with a pair of wings and an open steel helmet.
Worthy is an uncommon but proud last name representing a noble and honorable character. This distinguished surname continues to be shared by families around the world today.
Variations of the surname Worthy
The surname Worthy is thought to be derived from Old French Wurt meaning ‘worthy’ as in a man having worth. The surname Worthy itself is derived from the Old Norman spelling of Wurti, which later became the Middle English Worthe and then Worthy. The surname has undergone significant spelling variations, with some of the most common being Worth, Worthe, Wurt, Wurth, Wurthe, Wurts, Worthie, Worthy and Worthay.
The surname can also be found with a variety of regional variations, such as Worthy in England, Wurth in Germany, Worthen in Ireland, and Vasssure in France. The surname is also found throughout the United States with these varieties being found in different locations: Worth in the Midwest, Worthe in the South, Worthie in the East and Worthy on the West Coast.
In addition, there are also variant spellings of the name, such as Wirt, Wurst, Wurz, Wurtz, Witt, Wight and Urc. The surname also has various number of surnames with the same origin, including (the hard to spell) Worthington, Worton, Wirtinger, Wortham, Wortman, Worman, Wortley and Wuran.
In conclusion, the surname Worthy has various variant spellings and surnames of the same origin. It is common in England, Germany, Ireland, France, and the United States. Worth, Worthe, Wurt, Wurth, Wurthe, and Wurts, are just some of the spellings that the surname Worthy has taken, along with other regional variations. Lastly, there are also several surnames of the same origin such as Worthington, Worton, Wirtinger, Wortham, Wortman, Worman, Wortley, and Wuran.
Famous people with the name Worthy
- Jahmiah Worthy: American professional basketball player for the Agua Caliente Clippers of the NBA G League.
- Ike Worthy: Former professional basketball player who played for the San Diego Clippers and New Jersey Nets.
- Kevin Worthy: Former professional basketball player who played for the Washington Bullets and the Denver Nuggets.
- Andrea Worthy: Guitarist/vocalist who has recorded with notable acts including The Roots, Mobb Deep, and KRS-One as well as her own solo projects.
- Derek Worthy: Retired Canadian professional basketball player who played for the Raptors, Nets, and Spurs.
- Sam Worthy: Former All-American Football player who set several records in college for tackles.
- Jovan Worthy: American football defensive end for the Chicago Bears.
- Whitney Worthy: Actor, comedian, and entertainer known for his role on the show "Living With The Worthy's".
- Agnes Worthy: Retired photographer, book author, and artist whose work has been shown at the Smithsonian Institute.
- Matthew Worthy: Former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Boston Red Sox and New York Mets.