THWAITES
Thwaites
Origin and Meaning
Thwaites is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Old Norse word "thveit", meaning a piece of land that has been cut off or cleared. The name is primarily found in northern England, particularly in the regions of Cumbria and Yorkshire.
History and Distribution
The surname Thwaites has ancient origins, dating back to the medieval times. It is believed to have originated as a locational surname, referring to individuals who lived near a cleared piece of land or a clearing in the forest. Over time, families adopting the surname Thwaites may have been landowners or tenants in these areas.
Thwaites is a relatively uncommon surname, with the majority of bearers residing in the United Kingdom. The name can also be found in other English-speaking countries, such as Australia and Canada, due to migration patterns over the centuries.
Notable Bearers
- Billy Thwaites (1911-1983): English cricketer who played for Lancashire County Cricket Club in the 1930s.
- Dorothy Thwaites (1890-1961): British author known for her novels set in the Lake District.
- Sir George Thwaites (1904-1998): British diplomat and former ambassador to the United States.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the surname Thwaites include Thwaite, Thwaytes, and Thwait. Spelling variations are common in historical records due to differing dialects and literacy levels among individuals.
There are approximately 3,507 people named Thwaites in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,615th most common surname in Britain. Around 54 in a million people in Britain are named Thwaites.
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
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- William
Female
- Amanda
- Claire
- Deborah
- Emma
- Jane
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria