Surname Worthan - Meaning and Origin
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Worthan: What does the surname Worthan mean?
The surname Worthan does not have a widely recognized or documented meaning. Like many surnames, it could be of geographical, occupational, or personal trait origin. It may have evolved from certain locations named Worthen, such as those in Shropshire and Northumberland in England, implying that the original bearers of the surname potentially hailed from these areas. Worthen could be derived from the Old English words "worðign," meaning enclosure, or "weorthing," meaning estate. As surnames often shifted and changed over time, Worthan could be a variation of Worthen. However, without specific genealogical evidence, the exact origin and meaning of the surname Worthan cannot be definitively established. It's most accurate to state that it's a unique family name with potential roots in English geography or language.
Order DNA origin analysisWorthan: Where does the name Worthan come from?
The last name Worthan is most common today in the region around Maryland and Virginia in the United States, but is found in smaller numbers elsewhere in the country as well. Worthan family history suggests that the name is of English origin, brought to the colonies by members of the Worthan family who arrived from England sometime in the 1600s, during the Great Migration. The name may have arrived in the United States from surname resources in Ireland or Wales.
Today, the Worthans in the United States could trace their ancestry back to the first settlers who arrived on our shores centuries ago or recent immigrants who sought a better life in the United States. The Worthans are now found in all parts of the country, from the West Coast to the East Coast.
The Worthan name is also found in other countries, such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. Worthans can be found in most countries in Europe, as well as in Asia and South America. No matter where they can be found, one thing is certain: the Worthan family has roots that run deep throughout many regions of the world.
Variations of the surname Worthan
The surname Worthan is predominantly found in England and Wales. Variants of Worthan fall under two main spellings: Worthen and Wortham.
The variation of Worthen is commonly seen in parts of England such as Shropshire and Herefordshire, while Wortham is more often found in Essex and Sussex. The two forms of the surname are said to have intense regional connotations, with their regional distribution being largely due to their phonetic similarities.
The surname Worthan can also be seen spelled in other ways, such as Werthen, Wertham, Worthem and Worthom. These variations are much less common than the main two variants, but are still found sporadically.
Interestingly, Worthan can sometimes be seen with completely different surnames. These can include Worton, Worthen, Wortman and Wortsman. While the origins of these surnames are unknown, they are all believed to have roots in the same family tree.
In conclusion, while the original spelling of the surname Worthan is still used today, there are a number of alternate spellings and variants, such as Worthen, Wortham, Werthen and Wertham. These variants are largely determined by regional influences, and are quite uncommon, with the main two spellings being the most popular.
Famous people with the name Worthan
- Nikolle Worthan: a beauty influencer, known for her YouTube makeup tutorials.
- Lauryn Worthan: an up-and-coming St. Louis-based artist.
- Sydney Worthan: an American film and television actress whose credits include a main role in the Disney XD series Eliott Goes to School.
- Hunter Worthan: a speedcuber and a World optical Mental Magic champion known for his cube solving skills.
- Brad Worthan: a professional BMXer, sponsored by WeThePeople BMX.
- Jimmy Worthan: a professional snowboarder, World Freeskiing Champion, and X-Games gold medalist
- John Worthan: a retired American soccer player who spent two seasons in the Major Indoor Soccer League.
- William O. Worthan: a former CEO and chairman of the board of Owens-Illinois, a Fortune 500 company.
- Fred Worthan: an American actor and director, known for his roles in numerous films and TV shows.
- Michael Worthan: a guitarist and producer, who wrote and recorded Industrial rock album "A Storm Through Heaven".