Surname Wordon - Meaning and Origin
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Wordon: What does the surname Wordon mean?
The last name Wordon is of English origin. It was typically a name used by someone who lived near or in a fenced area and was derived from Old English words meaning ‘enclosed settlement’. Historically, the surname was likely used to distinguish between two places of the same name - either an area with an enclosed settlement or an area located near a fenced area. The surname could have been taken on by individuals who lived in any of these areas or may have been used to indicate that an individual was related to someone who lived there.
Additionally, Wordon may also be interpreted to mean ‘enclosure’ or ‘protected area’, which could be a reference to the traditional English practice of setting aside large areas as hunting preserves. Such areas were often enclosed by some sort of fence or barrier to regulate hunting.
Finally, Wordon may have been used as a surname to honor the patron saint of woodland, Saint Werinus. The name is derived from the Old German word ‘werin’ which means ‘forest’. There is a town in England called ‘Werrington’ which is thought to be where Werinus was martyred. It is possible that the surname Wordon was taken on by individuals with ties to this area in honor of Saint Werinus.
All in all, the last name Wordon has strong English roots that speak to a connection with protected or enclosed areas - be it a settlement, hunting preserve, or forest. It is a surname that commemorates its English heritage and honors the patron saint of woodland, Saint Werinus.
Order DNA origin analysisWordon: Where does the name Wordon come from?
The surname Wordon is common in areas of the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe. In the United States, the surname is most commonly registered in the Midwest states of Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. These states have seen a significant spike in the surname due to immigration from the UK.
In the United Kingdom, the Wordon surname is most common in London, the West and East Midlands, and Yorkshire. The surname appears to have its origins in Yorkshire, as records of its use in the region date back to the 1100s. The surname appears to be derived from the Old English given name Wurda.
In Europe, the surname is found in mainly the Netherlands, Czechoslovakia, and Germany. Many of these areas experienced a surge of English immigrants during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which is likely why the Wordon surname can be found there today.
Overall, the name Wordon is most common in the United States, United Kingdom, and parts of Europe. It is derived from an Old English given name and has been in use across Europe for hundreds of years. Its usage can be traced to English immigration in various parts of Europe and America.
Variations of the surname Wordon
The surname Wordon is an English patronymic surname derived from the old English personal name 'Werod', composed of two old Germanic elements 'war' meaning defense and 'wald' meaning leader or ruler. It is sometimes spelled Wyrdon, Wardon, Wirdon, Wyrdun, Werdon, Wyrdone, Werden, Woerden, Worden, Wenden, or Werdone.
The variants of Wordon include Wardin, Wawrdon, Woerd, Worden, Wardin, Wawrdon, Werde, Werdein, Wardinge, Wordinge, Warendine, Werdinge, Worthing, Wording, Wardyne, Wordune, Wordwyn, Werding, Werdynne, Worrdeyn, Werdyn, Wor-dun, Wordunne, Wardin, Woerdinne, Wawrec, Wooeding, Worhte, Wourding, Warhte, Wardynne, Warding, and Wirdin.
Other surnames of the same origin include Werdon, Werden, Werdone, Worley, Werdine, Werdinge, Werdin, Wording, Wortley, Wertly, Wertley, Wordle, Wordly, Wordley, Worldin, Wordel, Werdein, Worthel, Worteline, Wordington, and Wardeen.
The surname Wordon is found in early records in England as early as 1220 AD, with the first recorded instance being recorded in the Pipe Rolls of Warwickshire in 1268 AD. It has been recorded in Lancashire since the 16th century, and is found in a wide variety of spelling variations in both England and the United States.
Famous people with the name Wordon
- Ryan Wordon: musician turned actor known for his roles in The Immigrant Experience and The Prom.
- Courtney Wordon: dancer, influencer, and Youtube personality best known for her fashion tutorials and fitness videos.
- Jared Wordon: professional baseball player who won the National League batting championship in 2005.
- Colby Wordon: NFL wide receiver who was a four-time Pro-Bowler and led the league in receptions in 2008.
- Bruce Wordon: renowned American composer and conductor whose works include the Second Symphony and Motet for String Orchestra.
- Mike Wordon: Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter, best known for his singles “How Can I Find Love” and “Good Rubies”.
- Leigh Wordon: actor, producer, and occasional film director whose credits include the films Seasons of Life and I Love You Man.
- Pat Wordon: motivational speaker and author who wrote the book The Power of Envisioning Greatness.
- Maddie Wordon: founder and CEO of Wordon Confidence Consultants, a firm specializing in oral presentation coaching and corporate training.
- Reed Wordon: multi-instrumentalist and pioneering jazz composer, famed for his boundary-pushing arrangements and improvisational solos.