WOMERSLEY
Womersley
Origin and Meaning
Womersley is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, deriving from the Old English words "wamb" meaning belly and "leah" meaning clearing or meadow. Therefore, the surname likely originally referred to someone who lived near a meadow or clearing.
History
The first recorded instance of the surname Womersley dates back to the 13th century in Yorkshire, England. Over the centuries, the name has spread throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by families who migrated for various reasons, such as trade, military service, or seeking new opportunities.
Notable Individuals
- Colonel Edward Womersley (1755–1792) – Renowned military officer who served in the British Army during the American Revolutionary War.
- Emily Womersley (b. 1980) – Accomplished novelist and author of several critically acclaimed works of fiction.
- Professor James Womersley (1923–2007) – Esteemed mathematician and academic known for his contributions to the field of theoretical probability.
Modern Distribution
Today, the surname Womersley remains relatively uncommon, with individuals bearing the name scattered across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world where British descendants have settled. The name continues to be passed down through family lines, preserving its heritage and history.
There are approximately 1,291 people named Womersley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,050th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Womersley.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Nigel
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan