Surname Wozencroft - Meaning and Origin

Wozencroft: What does the surname Wozencroft mean?

The last name Wozencroft is believed to originate from northern England and Scotland. It is thought to be of Anglo-Saxon derivation and is composed of two elements, ‘Wulf’ and ‘croft’, describing a dwelling. Wulf- is thought to be derived from the pre-7th century Germanic word ‘Wulf’ meaning wolf, and ‘croft’ used to distinguish a small farm or settlement. Thus, the last name Wozencroft likely implies a dwelling of a wolf or inhabited by wolves.

In the medieval period, the spelling of surnames was not generally regulated. Thus, over time, the spelling of the last name Wozencroft may have been adapted to suit a particular dialect or language, or even to differentiate a family from another, similar name. This accounts for the variants of this name today, such as Wozencraft and Wozencroft.

The Wozencroft surname is still relatively uncommon today, but may have been of significance in the past. In the 11th century, records refer to Robert Wulave, described as a 'solutus homo', possibly a free-man, or knight, suggesting that the Wozencroft surname may have its roots in an old, and perhaps distinguished family.

Others today relate the last name Wozencroft to a character in the King Alfred legend, a mouse named ‘Wozencroft’, who appears briefly in the 878 AD document. This story tells the tale of a mouse, who leads an army of mice against invading Stourbridge. The heroic nature of this tale made it particularly popular in the medieval period, likely leading to many families bearing the related surname.

Overall, the last name Wozencroft has many interpretations, of which the true meaning may never be known. Either way, it is still a unique and intriguing surname rooted in history and legend.

Wozencroft: Where does the name Wozencroft come from?

The last name Wozencroft can be found in many parts of the world today. The most common place to find this surname is in the United Kingdom. Records dating back to the 13th century show that Wozencrofts were originally from Yorkshire, England, with their name derived from the Old English “wese-croft,” meaning “enclosure by a user or master.” The name has also been found across Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. It has also been found scattered across other countries that make up the United Kingdom, such as Canada and the United States. Records show that scores of Wozencrofts migrated to these countries by the early 17th century, where their name quickly spread throughout.

The surname is also found in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, with some of these families having migrated from the United Kingdom in the 19th and early 20th centuries, seeking new opportunities and better lives. That same sentiment led other Wozencroft families to venture across the Atlantic to America, with records showing that they settled in states such as New York, Maryland, Mississippi, and Ohio. And as global population shifts happen more rapidly, there are now Wozencrofts also found in parts of Europe, Latin America, and even India.

Wherever they are, all these families are connected through a common surname, each one of them carrying the legacy of the original Wozencrofts.

Variations of the surname Wozencroft

The surname Wozencroft is believed to have originated from the county of Worcestershire in England. It is one of the oldest and most commonly found surnames in the region. It has various variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin.

The most common variant of the surname Wozencroft is Wosencroft. This variant is pronounced "woh-zen-kro-ft". Other variants include Wozencort, Wozencroft, Wosencroft, Wosencroft and Wozincroft.

Spellings include Wottoncroft, Wootoncroft and Wootencroft. Alternative spellings for Wozencroft include Wozencroft, Wossencroft and Wossincroft.

Surnames of the same origin for Wozencroft include Wozencraft, Wosenworker, Wosencraft and Wozenchest. Other related names include Wozincraft, Wozinburne and Wozinhold.

Overall, the surname Wozencroft has a strong connection to the region of Worcestershire in England. It has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin, and is a very common name in the area.

Famous people with the name Wozencroft

• Emma Wozencroft- President of the British Refugee Council.
• Mark Wozencroft- )British Sound Engineer
• Beatrix Wozencroft- Museums and heritage consultant in London.
• Howard Wozencroft- Member of Parliament in the United Kingdom.
• Peter Wozencroft- Managing Director of European Association of Architectural Conservators and Restoration Specialists.
• John Wozencroft- British Businessman and Member of the Institute of Directors.
• Claud Wozencroft- British Actuary.
• Alexander Wozencroft- British Political Cartoonist.
• Georgina Wozencroft- British TV Producer.
• Louise Wozencroft- Voiceover Artist in the UK.
• Ian Wozencroft- British Broadcaster and Presenter.
• Charles Wozencroft- British Theatre and Film Producer.
• David Wozencroft- British Entrepreneur.
• Matthew Wozencroft- British Film and Television Composer.
• Caroline Wozencroft- English Author and Poet.
• James Wozencroft- British Engineer and Inventor.
• Daniel Wozencroft- British Lawyer.
• Nick Wozencroft- British Cultural Manager and Co-Founder of the International Digital Media Arts Association.

Other surnames

Wozencraft