Surname Worcester - Meaning and Origin
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Worcester: What does the surname Worcester mean?
The last name Worcester is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is thought to have derived from the Old English word “worcestre," which means “fortified camp on the Wocus." It is also a place name from several towns in England, referencing a Roman encampment made of earthworks built between 47 and 50 AD, located in Worcester, Warwickshire.
The family name Worcester is believed to have played a major role in the early history of England. The name was given to those who resided in and around Worcester during the early Middle Ages. This area became known as a strategic fortress due to its position in the upper reaches of the River Severn. The name Worcester was also likely related to military and political influence in its earliest days.
The last name of Worcester can be found all over the world today, but it is most commonly associated with England. It is also believed to have spanned further than England in the centuries since its origin, and is thought to have reached countries like Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Its presence in the United States can likely be traced to the influx of English immigrants in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Overall, the name Worcester hints at a proud and enduring legacy of bravery, independence, and strength. The name has become synonymous with those who have strived to make progress; those who have made a name for themselves through hard work and resilience. It is a legacy that is sure to remain for centuries to come.
Order DNA origin analysisWorcester: Where does the name Worcester come from?
The last name Worcester is most commonly found in the United States and Canada today. It is an English last name derived from the city of Worcester in the West Midlands. The surname is first recorded in Worcestershire in 1220 with the entry of William de Worcester.
In the United States, Worcester was ranked as the 1187th most common last name as of the most recent 2020 US Census. It is most common in the states of Massachusetts, Ohio, and California. The largest population of the Worcester surname from the 2020 census can be found in Massachusetts, where nearly 15,000 of the total population of Worcester descendents live.
Worcester is also a fairly common surname in Canada with nearly 2,200 people using the name across the country. The provinces with the most Worcester families are Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta.
Overall, the surname Worcester continues to be a fairly common name in the United States and Canada today. With itsvaried geographical base, it continues to have a strong presence in both countries and is set to remain an important part of the English-speaking population for years to come.
Variations of the surname Worcester
The surname Worcester (or Worchester) is actually derived from an English place name which originated in the Anglo-Saxon period. It comes from the name of the settlement of Wurthersceastre, meaning “fortress on the Wye”. As such, it is a locational surname that originally identified a person who came from the town of Worcester.
Similarly variants of the surname Worcester can include the derivatives of Worchestire, Worsseter, Worsseter (Irish variants), Wusseter, Wussetter, Wursteter, Worcceter, Wurceter, and Wursteter.
Alternately, the same origin could also often appear as the surname spellings of Worchester, Worchestery, Worchestershire, Worsseterre, Worstir, Wursester, Wurceter, and Wurseter.
Associated spelling variants and surnames of the same origin that may also have been derived from the place name of Worcester would include the surnames of Wirksworth, Wallersworth, Walersworth, Walrevelt, Waerrevelt, Wayrevelt, Wearrevelt, Warevelts, Wearvelts, Warfelts, Warefelts, Warrinton, Weeke, Wakley, Walkely, Wallakely, Walkly, Wallkly, Wanley, Waulkely, Wannley, Warckley, Warwickly, Warwekley, and Warkely.
Famous people with the name Worcester
- Stephen Worcester (American politician)
- Sarah Worcester (American Activist)
- Lionel Worcester (member of the House of Lords)
- Lawrence Worcester (American zoologist)
- Lizzie Worcester (American suffragist)
- Glenna Muran-Worcester (American doctor)
- W. W. Worchester (English scholar)
- William Worcester (American businessman)
- Mark Willis Worcester (American politician)
- George Worchester (American bassoonist)
- Ivan Worchester (psychiatrist and professor)
- John Clyde Worcester (physician and epidemiologist)
- Toshi Worcester (American composer)
- Diana Worchester (American photographer)
- Don Worcester (American historian)
- Edmund Worcester (American businessman)
- Tyler Worcester (American painter)
- Hans Worchester (American pilot)
- William Worcester (American Student and Activist)
- Jill Worcester (American biologist)