Willmore Surname

Introduction

The surname 'Willmore' is an interesting and unique surname that has a long history and widespread distribution across the globe. In this article, we will explore the origins, meaning, and distribution of the surname 'Willmore', as well as some interesting facts and insights about this surname.

Origins and Meaning

English Origins

The surname 'Willmore' is of English origin and is derived from the popular medieval personal name 'William', which itself is of Germanic origin. The name 'William' was a common name in England during the Middle Ages and was often given to sons whose fathers were named 'William'. The addition of the suffix '-more' to 'William' likely indicates a specific geographical or occupational identifier.

Therefore, the surname 'Willmore' likely originated as a way to distinguish someone named 'William' who lived near or worked at a place known as 'More' or 'Moor'. 'More' or 'Moor' could refer to a marshy or boggy area, a moorland, or a forested area. This suggests that the original bearers of the surname 'Willmore' may have lived near one of these types of locations.

Variant Spellings

Like many surnames, 'Willmore' has undergone various spellings and forms over the centuries. Some of the variant spellings of 'Willmore' include 'Willmoor', 'Willemore', 'Willamore', and 'Wilmor'. These different spellings may have arisen due to different regional pronunciations, dialectal variations, or clerical errors in recording names.

Popularity and Distribution

According to available data, the surname 'Willmore' has had the highest incidence in the United States, with 1,543 individuals bearing this surname. This indicates that the surname 'Willmore' is relatively common in the U.S. The next highest incidences are in England (excluding Wales and Scotland) with 1,089 individuals, the Dominican Republic with 270 individuals, and South Africa with 230 individuals.

It is interesting to note that the surname 'Willmore' also has a presence in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and a number of European countries. However, the incidence of the surname in these countries is relatively low compared to the U.S, England, and other countries mentioned earlier.

Interesting Facts

Famous Individuals

There have been a few notable individuals with the surname 'Willmore' who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. One such individual is John Willmore, an English historian and author who wrote extensively on medieval history and folklore. Another famous 'Willmore' is Sarah Willmore, a renowned artist known for her abstract paintings and sculptures.

Cultural Significance

The surname 'Willmore' has also made its mark in popular culture and literature. In the play 'The Rivals' by Richard Brinsley Sheridan, there is a character named Sir Anthony Absolute Willmore, who is a wealthy and eccentric gentleman. This character has become synonymous with wit and humor, and the name 'Willmore' has since been associated with sophistication and charm.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname 'Willmore' is a fascinating and multifaceted surname with a rich history and widespread distribution across various countries. From its English origins to its variant spellings and cultural significance, the surname 'Willmore' continues to intrigue and captivate those who bear it. Whether in the U.S, England, or other countries, the surname 'Willmore' remains a symbol of heritage, tradition, and identity for many individuals around the world.

The surname Willmore into the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is possible to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Equivalent happens in the case of Willmore, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in a lot of the countries of the globe. In the same way there are nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of individuals using the surname Willmore is more than in other countries.

The map of this Willmore surname

View Willmore surname map

The chance of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Willmore on the planet, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves in the map, for a tangible country, we could begin to see the tangible number of people with all the surname Willmore, to have this way the precise information of all Willmore that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not merely in which the surname Willmore originates from, but also in what way the individuals who're initially the main family members that bears the surname Willmore have moved and moved. In the same way, you can see by which places they have settled and developed, which is the reason why if Willmore is our surname, it appears interesting to which other countries of the world it is possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Willmore on earth

  1. United States United States (1543)
  2. England England (1089)
  3. Dominican Republic Dominican Republic (270)
  4. South Africa South Africa (230)
  5. Canada Canada (157)
  6. Australia Australia (154)
  7. Namibia Namibia (55)
  8. New Zealand New Zealand (27)
  9. Wales Wales (18)
  10. Scotland Scotland (14)
  11. Chile Chile (9)
  12. Zimbabwe Zimbabwe (8)
  13. Estonia Estonia (8)
  14. Germany Germany (6)
  15. Pakistan Pakistan (5)
  16. Thailand Thailand (5)
  17. Argentina Argentina (2)
  18. Taiwan Taiwan (2)
  19. Belgium Belgium (2)
  20. Brazil Brazil (2)
  21. Switzerland Switzerland (2)
  22. Spain Spain (2)
  23. France France (2)
  24. Netherlands Netherlands (1)
  25. Norway Norway (1)
  26. Palau Palau (1)
  27. Austria Austria (1)
  28. Venezuela Venezuela (1)
  29. Democratic Republic of the Congo Democratic Republic of the Congo (1)
  30. China China (1)
  31. Ghana Ghana (1)
  32. Ireland Ireland (1)
  33. Israel Israel (1)
  34. India India (1)
  35. Jersey Jersey (1)
  36. Kazakhstan Kazakhstan (1)
  37. Mongolia Mongolia (1)
  38. Malaysia Malaysia (1)