PORTWAY
Portway
Portway is a British surname of English origin. This toponymic surname is derived from the Old English words "port", meaning a gate or entrance, and "weg", meaning a way or road. Therefore, "Portway" likely referred to a road leading to a gate or entrance in medieval times.
The Portway surname is found mainly in various regions of England, particularly in the South West. The earliest recorded instances of the surname date back to the 16th century, and it has since spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.
Like many surnames, Portway has undergone variations in spelling over the centuries, including Portwey, Portwee, and Portleigh, among others.
Individuals with the surname Portway have been associated with various professions and activities, reflecting the diverse occupations held by people throughout history. The name has likely been passed down through generations, each contributing to its rich history and genealogy.
Today, the surname Portway is relatively uncommon but continues to exist as a reminder of the ancestral roots and heritage of those who bear it. Whether as a link to the past or a distinctive family name, Portway remains a part of the tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 290 people named Portway in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Portway.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Brian
- Colin
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Lee
- Philip
- Richard
- Robert
- Terence
Female
- Abigail
- Doris
- Emma
- Josephine
- Kathleen
- Mary
- Naomi
- Nicola
- Samantha
- Sarah
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.