Surname Esworthy - Meaning and Origin
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Esworthy: What does the surname Esworthy mean?
The surname Esworthy is an English locational surname first found in Devon. Its original derivation is from the Old English for “Eastworthy”, describing a particular location in England.
The Old English East hearty referred to an area east of the town of Crediton, which was located near the river Exe. This was a rural area eastward from the town of Crediton, located between the rivers Taw and Exe. It is likely that those with the last name Esworthy are descended from settlers of this area.
The name is generally assumed to refer to a family or person who was originally from Eastworthy. According to the 1890 book, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary, by Henry Harrison the surname Esworthy was derived from ‘a manorial owner in the parish of Crediton, in the county of Devon.’
The use of surnames in England did not become widespread until after the Norman Conquest of 1066. By the 14th and 15th centuries, it had become common practice for people to adopt a surname, and it is likely that the family of Esworthy took their name from the area they lived.
Throughout history, the Esworthy family has contributed greatly to society. Notable examples include, history professor and writer Alexander Esworthy, fiction author Harry Esworthy, and the popular children’s author Timothy Esworthy.
Order DNA origin analysisEsworthy: Where does the name Esworthy come from?
The last name Esworthy is most commonly associated with the United States. Although the name has been found in other countries, the highest concentrations of Esworthy family members live in the US. Specifically, it is most common in states such as Florida, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New York.
The name can trace it's origin in the US back to the mid-1800s. Most records from that time provide evidence of the name originating from England. The first known members of the Esworthy family to come to America were William and Mary Esworthy from Freemantle, England. They are believed to have arrived in Detroit, Michigan in 1846 with their two children, John and George.
The Esworthy name can still be found in the midwest to this day. Michigan and Wisconsin lead the way with the highest concentration of the Esworthy family. Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Florida also have sizable family populations.
Also, the internet and social media has allowed individuals to easily connect with members of the Esworthy family from all across the US and beyond. Specialized genealogical websites and message boards assist in locating lost relatives and allow for a greater level of connection than what was possible in the past.
Thus, the last name Esworthy continues to thrive in many parts of the US, from the midwest to the east coast. As mentioned, it is also found elsewhere, though is not as prominent. The internet and social media have allowed for a greater level of interconnectedness for this family name.
Today, the Esworthy family proudly carries on their long-standing tradition of connectivity and shared history across the US and beyond.
Variations of the surname Esworthy
The surname Esworthy has a few variants, spellings and associated surnames, all with the same ultimate origin.
The most common various spellings of the name are Esworthie, Easworthie, Esworthy, Easwraith, Eswraith, Esraith and Easraith. In addition, surnames associated with this name include Eastham, Easton, Easthope, Ewesthorpe, and Easthorpe.
The original spelling of the surname is believed to have been Eosweardby, which originated in Yorkshire, England and dates back to at least the 13th century. It was a very old English nickname derived from the Old English words ‘eos’ meaning ‘a stream’ and ‘weard’ meaning ‘guardian’, indicating a meaning of ‘guardian of the stream’. The surname is believed to have come about as a result of an ancestor who lived near a stream or river and acted as its guardian.
Over time, the surname underwent an evolutionary process, and the spelling changed as different generations adapted the surname to fit their own version of the original. This process of evolution led to various spellings and associated surnames including the ones listed above.
The original variant of the surname is thought to have been Esworthy, and this spelling is still used predominantly today. The various spellings and associated surnames are very similar, and the ultimate origin of the name is the same.
Famous people with the name Esworthy
- Michael Esworthy: British actor, director, and satirist.
- Charles Esworthy: British soldier, artist, and poet.
- Bruce Esworthy: United States Marine Corps Brigadier General.
- Alexander Esworthy: British explorer and naturalist.
- Colleen Esworthy: Canadian-born actress and director.
- Alice Esworthy: Australian opera singer and vocal coach.
- Fred Esworthy: Australian aborigine singer-songwriter and sports personality.
- Henry Esworthy: British dancer, actor, and choreographer.
- Richard Esworthy: American professional basketball player.
- Gary Esworthy: American music producer and composer.