ASHWORTH
Ashworth
Origin and Meaning
Ashworth is a locational surname of Old English origin. The surname is derived from the combination of two elements 'æsc,' meaning ash tree, and 'wuda,' meaning wood. The name likely originated from a place named Ashworth, which was a settlement near ash trees or a wooded area containing ash trees.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Ashworth is most commonly found in the North West of England, particularly in Lancashire and Greater Manchester. During the period of surname adoption in England, individuals often took on the name of their place of origin, leading to the prevalence of locational surnames like Ashworth.
Notable Bearers
- Sir Edmund Ashworth (1805 – 1873) - A prominent industrialist and philanthropist who played a significant role in the textile industry of Lancashire.
- Jennifer Ashworth (b. 1982) - A British actress known for her roles in various TV dramas and theatre productions.
- George Ashworth (1920 – 1999) - A professional golfer from England who had a successful career on the European Tour.
Coat of Arms
The Ashworth family name has a distinctive coat of arms that features symbolic elements such as trees, shields and medieval heraldic symbols. The design of the coat of arms would have been passed down through generations, depicting the family's heritage and values.
Modern Usage
Today, the surname Ashworth continues to be found in the UK and across the world, carried by descendants of the original Ashworth families. With its cultural and historical significance, the name Ashworth is a testament to the rich tapestry of British surnames and their origins in the landscapes and communities of the past.
There are approximately 13,564 people named Ashworth in the UK. That makes it the 660th most common surname in Britain. Around 208 in a million people in Britain are named Ashworth.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Christine
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan