WESTERN

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Western

Western is a surname of English origin that is derived from the Old English word "west" which means west, indicating a person who resided in the western part of a village or region. The surname is classified as a locational surname, reflecting the geographical location of the original bearer.

The Western surname is most commonly found in the western parts of England, particularly in areas like Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. The earliest recordings of the surname date back to the late 13th century in England.

Individuals bearing the Western surname have been traced to various walks of life, including agriculture, business, academia, and the arts. Notable figures with the surname Western include novelist Morris West and musician and record producer Kanye West.

Over time, the Western surname has become widespread and is found in various English-speaking countries, reflecting the historical movement of people within the British Empire and beyond.

In modern times, the Western surname continues to be found in diverse communities, carrying on the legacy of its historical roots and the individuals associated with it.

There are approximately 2,574 people named Western in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,438th most common surname in Britain. Around 40 in a million people in Britain are named Western.

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
Anthony
David
John
Keith
Mark
Matthew
Michael
Paul
Peter
Stephen

Female

Christine
Claire
Emily
Emma
Gillian
Helen
Hilary
Jane
Margaret
Nicola
Patricia
Sarah
Susan
Victoria

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.