WEST
West
Origin and Meaning West is a common English surname derived from the cardinal direction "west" which refers to the westward direction. The surname likely originated as a nickname for someone who lived to the west of a particular village or landmark.
History The West surname has ancient origins in England, dating back to the pre-7th century. The first recorded instance of the surname was in the Essex Pipe Rolls in 1185, where it was mentioned as "de Weste." Over time, the surname spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, leading to numerous variations and branches of the West family.
Notable Individuals
- Benjamin West (1738–1820): An American-born painter who co-founded the Royal Academy in London.
- Mae West (1893–1980): An American actress, singer, and playwright known for her wit and sensuality.
- Cornell West (b. 1953): An American philosopher, political activist, and social critic.
Distribution The surname West is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and Canada. It is also present in various other English-speaking countries due to historical migration patterns.
Coat of Arms The West family coat of arms typically features symbols associated with strength, loyalty, and nobility. The design often includes elements such as lions, towers, and rampant horses.
Variants Variants of the West surname include Westbrook, Westcott, Westlake, and Weston, among others. These variations may have developed over time as families adopted different spellings or migrated to different regions.
Legacy The West surname has left a lasting legacy in various fields, including art, entertainment, academia, and politics. Many individuals with the surname have made significant contributions to their respective fields and have left a mark on history.
In conclusion, the West surname is a notable and widespread English surname with a rich history and diverse legacy that continues to be passed down through generations.
There are approximately 51,918 people named West in the UK. That makes it the 128th most common surname in Britain. Around 797 in a million people in Britain are named West.
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
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Helen
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Wasiuta
- Wassett
- Wast
- Wasta
- Waste
- Wasti
- Wastie
- Weast
- Weist
- Weiste
- Wesa
- Wess
- Westad
- Westal
- Westan
- Westar
- Westby
- Weste
- Westel
- Westen
- Wester
- Westh
- Westie
- Westin
- Westly
- Westo
- Westoe
- Weston
- Westow
- Westra
- Westre
- Westry
- Wests
- Westway
- Whessett
- Whest
- Whieside
- Whist
- Wiest
- Wissett
- Wist
- Wiste
- Woest
- Woeste
- Wost
- Wuest
- Wust
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.