Wormald

Wormald is a surname of English origin, believed to be locational in nature, deriving from places in West Yorkshire, such as Wooldale and Warley Town. The name is recorded in various forms including Wormald, Wormall, Wormald, Wormalt, and Wormell.

Etymology
The surname Wormald is thought to come from the Old English words "weorm" meaning serpent or dragon, and "heald" meaning slope or hill. This suggests that the original bearers of the name may have lived near a serpent-shaped hill or a place associated with dragons.

Distribution
The surname is most commonly found in Yorkshire, particularly in the former West Riding of Yorkshire. Individuals bearing the surname have spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond through migration and global movements.

Notable individuals with the surname Wormald

  • Kenny Wormald: An American dancer and actor known for his role in the movie "Footloose".
  • William Wormald: A prominent British botanist who specialized in tropical plant species.

Coat of Arms
The Wormald family coat of arms features a red shield with two gold bars running diagonally across it, and three silver escallops placed two and one.

Genealogy
There are several genealogical studies and resources available for those interested in tracing their Wormald family history. Many families bear this distinguished surname and may find links to each other through shared ancestry.

In conclusion, the surname Wormald has a rich history and is associated with various geographic locations and notable individuals. Its unique etymology and distribution make it a fascinating subject of study for those interested in British surnames and genealogy.

There are approximately 1,695 people named Wormald in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,834th most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named Wormald.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Carol
  • Catherine
  • Claire
  • Donna
  • Dorothy
  • Elizabeth
  • Hayley
  • Jean
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Zoe

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