WALSWORTH
Walsworth
Walsworth is a surname of English origin, predominantly found in the historic counties of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire in the southeast of England. The name is derived from the Old English personal name "Wealdhere," meaning "ruler of the army," combined with "worth," a common element in English place names denoting an enclosed settlement or homestead.
History
The earliest recorded instance of the Walsworth surname dates back to the medieval period in the 13th century in Hertfordshire. The Walsworth family is noted for their involvement in local agricultural and landowning activities in the region. Over the centuries, the name has spread to other parts of England and beyond due to migration and dispersal of families.
Notable Individuals
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Sir Edward Walsworth (1567–1632): A prominent landowner and Member of Parliament representing Hertfordshire in the early 17th century. Known for his contributions to local infrastructure development.
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Dr. Rebecca Walsworth (1804–1888): A pioneering physician and women's rights advocate, active during the Victorian era. She was instrumental in establishing medical facilities for women in rural communities.
Modern Distribution
Today, individuals bearing the Walsworth surname can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in the South East and East of England. The name has also been carried by emigrants to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Coat of Arms
The Walsworth family coat of arms features elements representing strength, wisdom, and perseverance. The shield is emblazoned with symbols such as a lion rampant denoting courage, while a book and quill symbolise learning and scholarly pursuits.
In modern times, the Walsworth surname continues to be upheld with pride by numerous families, serving as a testament to their historical legacy and enduring contributions to society.
There are approximately 117 people named Walsworth in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Walsworth.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Jeremy
- John
- Kenneth
- Leslie
- Mark
- Michael
- Reginald
- Simon
- Stephen
- Stuart
- Thomas
- Tom
Female
- Christine
- Diane
- Janet
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Sarah
- Susan
- Sydney
- Sylvia
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.