WOOSTER
Wooster
Wooster is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "wicestre," meaning a farm or settlement, and the suffix "-er," often indicating occupation or association with a place. The surname has historical roots in the county of Worcestershire in England.
History and Origin:
The Wooster surname is associated with the town of Droitwich in Worcestershire, where the family is believed to have resided in medieval times. The name first appeared in written records in the early 13th century, and variations such as Woster and Woostar were also common.
Notable Individuals:
Bertie Wooster:
One of the most famous fictional characters bearing the Wooster surname is Bertram Wilberforce Wooster, a creation of the renowned British author P.G. Wodehouse. Bertie Wooster is depicted as a well-meaning but dim-witted young aristocrat, often getting into humorous escapades in the company of his resourceful valet, Jeeves.
Distribution and Popularity:
The surname Wooster has had a relatively low distribution in the United Kingdom, with most occurrences concentrated in regions with historical ties to Worcestershire. However, the name gained further visibility due to its association with the fictional character Bertie Wooster, contributing to its popularity in literary circles.
Variants and Derivatives:
Variants of the Wooster surname include Woster, Woostar, and Wicestre, reflecting different historical spellings and regional influences. Over time, the surname has evolved and diversified, giving rise to various derivatives among different branches of the family.
In conclusion, the surname Wooster holds a significant place in English history and literature, representing a connection to the county of Worcestershire and embodying both a sense of place and occupational identity among its bearers.
There are approximately 954 people named Wooster in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,634th most common surname in Britain. Around 15 in a million people in Britain are named Wooster.
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
- Adrian
- David
- John
- Luke
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Philip
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Barbara
- Ghislaine
- Helen
- Jean
- Jennifer
- Joanne
- Linda
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan