Worsley

Worsley is a traditional British surname, derived from the place-name Worsley in Greater Manchester, England. The name originated from Old English words, with "wor" meaning "enclosure" or "fence" and "leah" meaning "woodland clearing" or "meadow."

History and Origin

The surname Worsley has ancient origins and is closely linked to the historic village of Worsley in Lancashire, now part of Greater Manchester. The Worsley family has a rich history dating back to the medieval period, with records indicating land ownership and influence in the region.

Notable Individuals

Notable individuals with the surname Worsley include:

  • Sir Richard Worsley (1751-1805): An English politician and baronet who played a significant role in British history.

  • Sir William Worsley (b. 1956): A British politician and landowner who has held various public offices.

  • Rachel Worsley (b. 1980): A British author and journalist known for her works on history and culture.

Present-Day Distribution

The surname Worsley remains relatively uncommon but can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom and among British diaspora communities worldwide. The name carries with it a sense of heritage and connection to the historic roots of the Worsley family.

References

For those interested in exploring further the history and genealogy of the Worsley surname, numerous archival sources and records are available for research, shedding light on the family's past and contributions to British society.

There are approximately 4,534 people named Worsley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,067th most common surname in Britain. Around 70 in a million people in Britain are named Worsley.

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
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Amanda
  • Catherine
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Jane
  • Margaret
  • Rebecca
  • Sandra
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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