Weymouth Surname

The History of the Weymouth Surname

The surname Weymouth is of English origin, derived from the place name Weymouth in Dorset, a seaside town on the south coast of England. The town's name itself comes from the River Wey, which runs through it, and the Old English word "mutha," meaning mouth. Therefore, Weymouth means the mouth of the River Wey.

The surname Weymouth has a long history, dating back to the medieval period in England. It is believed that the surname was originally used to identify people who hailed from the town of Weymouth or who lived near the mouth of the River Wey. Over time, the surname became hereditary, passed down from generation to generation within families.

Early Origins of the Weymouth Surname

One of the earliest recorded instances of the Weymouth surname is in the 13th century in the Hundred Rolls of England. A man named John de Weymuth is listed as a landowner in the county of Somerset. This indicates that the surname was already established as a family name by this time.

Throughout the medieval period, the Weymouth surname spread to other parts of England, as people moved and settled in different regions. The surname can be found in records from counties such as Devon, Hampshire, and Sussex, indicating that the Weymouth family was well-established in these areas.

Migration of the Weymouth Surname

In the 17th and 18th centuries, many people with the surname Weymouth emigrated from England to other parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. They were part of the larger wave of British emigration during this time, seeking new opportunities and a better life in the colonies.

In the United States, the Weymouth surname is most commonly found in states such as Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. Many early settlers with the surname Weymouth arrived in New England and became prominent members of their communities, contributing to the development of the region.

In Canada, the Weymouth surname is found primarily in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. Canadian families with the surname Weymouth have a rich heritage, with roots tracing back to their British ancestors who settled in the country centuries ago.

Notable Bearers of the Weymouth Surname

Over the centuries, there have been several notable individuals with the surname Weymouth who have made significant contributions to society. One such person is Thomas Weymouth, a British historian and author known for his works on the history of Dorset and the town of Weymouth.

Another prominent bearer of the Weymouth surname is Elizabeth Weymouth, a British journalist and editor who has worked for several leading publications in the United Kingdom. She is known for her insightful commentary on current events and social issues.

Modern Distribution of the Weymouth Surname

Today, the surname Weymouth is relatively rare compared to other more common surnames. According to data, the majority of individuals with the surname Weymouth are located in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

In the United States, the state with the highest incidence of the Weymouth surname is Massachusetts, reflecting the historical presence of the Weymouth family in the region. In the United Kingdom, the surname is most common in the county of Dorset, where the town of Weymouth is located.

Overall, the Weymouth surname has a rich history and a diverse distribution across different countries. It continues to be an important part of the heritage of many families around the world, representing their ancestral ties to the town of Weymouth and the River Wey.

The surname Weymouth within the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it can be done to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The same happens when it comes to Weymouth, which as you're able to corroborate, it may be stated that it is a surname which can be present in all of the nations regarding the world. In the same way there are countries by which definitely the density of men and women aided by the surname Weymouth is higher than far away.

The map regarding the Weymouth surname

1. United States (2223)
2. England (624)
3. Australia (352)
4. Canada (137)
5. New Zealand (55)
6. Wales (20)
7. Ireland (14)
8. Scotland (9)
9. South Africa (8)
10. China (3)
11. United Arab Emirates (1)
12. Belgium (1)
13. Bahrain (1)
14. Brazil (1)
15. Switzerland (1)
16. Germany (1)
17. France (1)
18. Guam (1)
19. Indonesia (1)
20. Japan (1)
21. Malaysia (1)
22. Peru (1)
23. Philippines (1)
24. Qatar (1)
25. Russia (1)