Surname Witherell - Meaning and Origin
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Witherell: What does the surname Witherell mean?
The last name Witherell originates from the Old English term wither, meaning “far-sighted” or “all-seeing.” The surname was a nickname for someone with great wisdom, insight, or observation and was probably bestowed upon either a priest or a teacher. The name was also used to describe someone who lived in Witherly, a village in Suffolk, England.
Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved over time to become Witherell. The surname has been found in many countries including England, Scotland, France, Ireland, and Germany. The origin of the name also made its way to the United States with many early immigrants arriving in the 1600s, establishing the Witherells as one of the earliest families to settle in New England.
Today, the surname Witherell is commonly found in the United States and other countries around the world. People with the name are often higher than average intelligence and consistent with the original surname meaning--many have been successful in a variety of academic and professional fields. While there is no single set of traits that Witherells may possess, they might be known for their wisdom, intelligence and insight.
Order DNA origin analysisWitherell: Where does the name Witherell come from?
The last name Witherell is often found in the United States, particularly in New England states such as Massachusetts, Maine, and Connecticut. This last name originated in Scotland and was brought to the United States by Scottish immigrants. Records show that the Witherell family was among some of the first to settle in Maine and Massachusetts in the early 1600s. It was not uncommon for immigrants to Anglicize their names when they traveled to America, and records suggest many Scottish families did the same to their last names, including the Witherells.
Today, the last name Witherell is still very popular in the United States. Especially in the states along the East Coast, the name can be found in city directories and phone books. In addition to the United States, the last name Witherell can also be found in other parts of the world including Australia, Canada, England, Scotland, and New Zealand.
The name Witherell may be most commonly associated with the Whittemore Family and the Whitmore Family, as it is believed that they are all descended from a common ancestor. The spelling may have changed depending on which branch of the family immigrated to the United States. Regardless of the spellings, the Witherell family has certainly left its mark in America and can be found all across the country today.
Variations of the surname Witherell
Witherell is a surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English “widera”, which means “wood-dweller”. It is a variation of the more common name Weatherall, and it is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, as well as other countries that once belonged to the British Commonwealth.
The variants, spellings and surnames of Witherell include Widderall, Widdersall, Widursall, Whitherell, Whitersall, Whidersall, Widursall, Witherall, Widdersal and Weatherall. All of these variations of the name have the same meaning as the original, relating to someone who lives in the woods.
The surname is also sometimes found spelled with a double "t", as in Whitherell, and with an extra "r", as in Widdersal. It has been recorded with various spellings since 1273, indicating that it was in use in Britain since the medieval period.
The variation Weatherall is the most common alternative spelling of Witherell, and it is still seen more often in modern Britain than any other spelling. It is also found in countries with a British colonial history, such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Although Witherell is relatively uncommon today, it is still a proud part of the family history of those who have it in their name, and has been around for centuries.
Famous people with the name Witherell
- Rob Witherell: Rob Witherell is an American mixed media artist and furniture designer from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Dru Witherell: Dru Witherell is a successful realtor, business owner, and philanthropist from Bullhead City, Arizona.
- Gerry Witherell: Gerry Witherell is an international professional speaker and TEDx expert from Ottawa, Ontario.
- Jordan Witherell: Jordan Witherell is an award-winning actor, singer, and songwriter from Los Angeles, California.
- M.E. Witherell: M.E. Witherell is a bestselling novelist from Seattle, Washington.
- Mabel Witherell: Mabel Witherell is a professional dancer from Charlotte, North Carolina.
- Richard Witherell: Richard Witherell is a classical musician from London, England.
- Robert Witherell: Robert Witherell is a highly sought-after sculptor from Okemos, Michigan.
- Sarah Witherell:Sarah Witherell is an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating from Salt Lake City, Utah.
- Steve Witherell: Steve Witherell is an acclaimed chef and restaurateur from Charleston, South Carolina.