Withering Surname

The surname 'Withering' is a relatively rare surname, with a total incidence of 23 occurrences worldwide. The surname is found in two main regions: South Africa, where it has an incidence of 22, and England, where it has an incidence of 1.

Origin and Meaning

The surname 'Withering' is of English origin, derived from the Old English word 'wethering', which means 'wether sheep'. The surname likely originates from a person who worked as a shepherd or had some association with sheep. It is possible that the surname was also used as a nickname for someone who displayed qualities associated with sheep, such as docility or patience.

South Africa

In South Africa, the surname 'Withering' is relatively common, with an incidence of 22. The surname likely arrived in South Africa with British settlers during the colonial period. Many British immigrants to South Africa were involved in agriculture, and it is possible that some settlers with the surname 'Withering' were sheep farmers or had connections to the wool industry.

England

While the surname 'Withering' is less common in England, with an incidence of only 1, it is likely that the surname has ancient roots in the country. England has a long history of sheep farming and wool production, and it is possible that the surname 'Withering' originated in a rural area where sheep were a common feature of the landscape.

Variants

Like many surnames, 'Withering' has several variants that have evolved over time. Some common variants of the surname include 'Wethering', 'Withers', and 'Witherington'. These variants may have arisen through spelling variations, regional dialects, or other factors.

Wethering

The variant 'Wethering' is a spelling variation of the surname 'Withering'. It is possible that the two spellings were used interchangeably in the past, leading to the development of separate branches of the family with different spellings of the surname.

Withers

The variant 'Withers' is a common surname in its own right, but it may also be a variant of 'Withering'. The two surnames likely share a common origin and may have been used interchangeably in some regions or by different branches of the family.

Witherington

The variant 'Witherington' is a longer form of the surname 'Withering'. It is possible that the variation in length and spelling of the surname reflects changes in pronunciation or dialect over time. The surname 'Witherington' may have developed as a way to distinguish between different branches of the family or to denote a specific individual or location.

Famous Bearers

While the surname 'Withering' is relatively rare, there have been a few notable individuals who have borne the name. One famous bearer of the surname is John Withering, an English botanist and physician who is best known for his discovery of the medical properties of digitalis, a plant used to treat heart conditions. Withering's research on digitalis laid the foundation for modern treatments for heart disease and earned him a lasting place in medical history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the surname 'Withering' has a fascinating history and a range of variants that have evolved over time. While relatively rare, the surname has connections to sheep farming, agriculture, and botany, and has been borne by notable individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields. The surname 'Withering' continues to be a unique and distinctive name with a rich heritage that spans centuries and continents.

The surname Withering in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar happens in the case of Withering, which as you are able to corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in most of the countries of this globe. In the same manner you can find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of men and women using the surname Withering is greater than in other countries.

The map of the Withering surname

View Withering surname map

The likelihood of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Withering on the planet, helps us plenty. By putting ourselves on the map, for a tangible country, we could begin to see the tangible amount of people using the surname Withering, to acquire this way the complete information of all Withering that you could presently find in that country. All this also assists us to comprehend not only in which the surname Withering originates from, but also in what manner the individuals who're initially the main household that bears the surname Withering have moved and moved. In the same way, you can see by which places they've settled and developed, and that's why if Withering is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other countries of this world it's possible that certain of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Withering in the world

  1. South Africa South Africa (22)
  2. England England (1)