Meaning of the first name

Worthington

The name Worthington is of English origin, deriving from the Old English elements worth, meaning a homestead or enclosure, and inga, referring to the people or followers of a particular locality. Thus, Worthington translates to from the homestead of the Worth people or from the town by the worth. This toponymic name typically indicates geographic roots, pointing to familial origins in a specific location.

Historically, the surname Worthington can be traced back to various locations in England, particularly in Lancashire, where numerous settlements bearing the name exist. The name has been documented as far back as the medieval period, where it was common to adopt surnames based on geographic features or locational attributes. Over the centuries, Worthington has appeared in various legal, ecclesiastical, and civic records, marking its bearers' presence in English society.

In modern times, Worthington functions both as a surname and, less commonly, as a given name. It remains prevalent in England and among English-speaking populations, particularly in the United States and Canada, where the name may be associated with both historical lineage and contemporary cultural references. Notably, Worthington is also the name of several towns, neighborhoods, and public institutions, reflecting the continuing significance of place-based names in community identity and heritage.