WILLOUGHBY
Willoughby
Origin: Willoughby is an English habitational surname derived from various places in England bearing the same name. The name comes from Old English words 'wilig' (willow) and 'byr' (farm), meaning "willow farm" or "farm by the willows".
History: The first recorded instance of the Willoughby surname was in the 12th century in Lincolnshire, where the Willoughby family held estates. They later spread to various parts of England, including Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, and Norfolk.
Notable Individuals:
- Sir Hugh Willoughby (c. 1510–1554): An English explorer who led an ill-fated expedition to find the Northeast Passage to Asia.
- Baron Willoughby de Eresby: A title in the Peerage of England, held by the Bertie family since 1313.
- Richard Willoughby (1929–2007): A British actor known for his roles in classic British films and television.
Coat of Arms: The Willoughby coat of arms typically features elements representing strength, loyalty, and nobility, such as a shield with heraldic symbols and a motto.
Variants: Variants of the surname include Willoughbie, Willughby, and Willoughbey.
Popularity: The surname Willoughby remains relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom, with a notable presence in historic records and aristocratic circles.
There are approximately 5,534 people named Willoughby in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,715th most common surname in Britain. Around 85 in a million people in Britain are named Willoughby.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Gillian
- Helen
- Jennifer
- Laura
- Margaret
- Mary
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.