WESTAWAY
Westaway
Westaway is a surname of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Devon and Cornwall in the southwest of England. The name is derived from the Old English word "west" which means west, and "weg" meaning path or road, indicating someone who lived to the west of a particular path or road.
Origin and Distribution
The earliest recorded instances of the Westaway surname date back to the 16th century in Devon and Cornwall. Over time, the name has spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, particularly to former British colonies such as Australia and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals
1. E. L. Westaway (1882-1959)
- A renowned author of historical fiction, known for his vivid portrayal of life in rural England during the 19th century.
2. Dr. Rebecca Westaway (b. 1975)
- Noted geneticist and researcher, specialising in the study of inherited diseases prevalent in the population of the West Country.
Cultural Significance
The Westaway surname is closely associated with the maritime history and agricultural traditions of Devon and Cornwall, reflecting the region's strong ties to the sea and the land.
Variants
Variants of the Westaway surname include Westoway, Westwey, and Westwey. Over time, variations in spelling have emerged as a result of historical influences and regional dialects.
References
- Chapman, P. W. (2005). Surnames of Devon. Newton Abbot: Devon Family History Society.
- Roden, M. (2013). The Westaways: A Family History. London: The Historical Society.
There are approximately 809 people named Westaway in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,693rd most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Westaway.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adrian
- Daniel
- David
- John
- Jonathan
- Liam
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Simon
- William
Female
- Alison
- Caroline
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Hannah
- Jean
- Jennifer
- Joyce
- Julia
- Julie
- Karen
- Patricia
- Susan