The surname "Webster" has an English origin and is occupational in nature. It comes from the Middle English word "webbe" or "web" which means "weaver". A "webster" was a person who weaved cloth. The name "Webster" was used to identify someone who worked as a weaver or had a connection to the weaving industry in some way, whether as a patron or owner of a weaver's shop. Over time, "Webster" became established as a hereditary surname passed down through generations. Today, it is a relatively common surname found mainly in English-speaking countries.

Race and Ethnicity of people with the last name Webster

The ethnic identity associated with the surname Webster also experienced some changes between 2000 and 2010 based on data from the Decennial U.S. Census. The percentage of Websters identifying as White fell slightly from 76.16% to 73.50%, while those identifying as Black saw a minor increase of 6.70%, going from 18.51% to 19.75%. There were also increases in the percentages of Websters identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander (0.48% to 0.62%), those of two or more races (1.88% to 2.25%), Hispanic (1.64% to 2.51%), and American Indian and Alaskan Native (1.34% to 1.38%). These figures indicate a diversification in the ethnic identities tied to the surname Webster.

	2000	2010	Change
White	76.16%	73.5%	-3.49%
Black	18.51%	19.75%	6.7%
Hispanic	1.64%	2.51%	53.05%
Two or More Races	1.88%	2.25%	19.68%
American Indian and Alaskan Native	1.34%	1.38%	2.99%
Asian/Pacific Islander	0.48%	0.62%	29.17%

Webster ancestry composition

NomOrigine computes an ancestry breakdown for each customer. People may have ancestry from just one population or they may have ancestry from several populations. The most commonly-observed ancestry found in people with the surname Webster is British & Irish, which comprises 53.9% of all ancestry found in people with the surname. The next two most common ancestries are French & German (22.6%) and Eastern European (3.8%). Additional ancestries include Scandinavian, Spanish & Portuguese, Nigerian, Italian, and Ashkenazi Jewish.

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ANCESTRY BREAKDOWN	COMPOSITION
British & Irish	53.9%
French & German	22.6%
Eastern European	3.8%
Other	19.8%

Your paternal lineage may be linked to men who spread the Semitic languages

Men carrying the J-M267 lineage took part in many waves of migrations over the millennia, and domesticated animals and plants weren't the only things they carried. They may also have been among the communities that spread the Semitic languages, a diverse group that bloomed from a single proto-Semitic tongue in the Levant nearly 5,750 years ago. These men likely carried branches of both haplogroup J and of the Semitic language family through the Arabian Peninsula to the Horn of Africa. Still later, some J-M267-bearing men re-expanded from the Arabian Peninsula back through the Middle East and across North Africa in migrations associated with the emergence and spread of Islam.

Your maternal lineage may be linked to Marie Antoinette

Because it is so dominant in the general European population, haplogroup H also appears quite frequently in the continent's royal houses. Marie Antoinette, an Austrian Hapsburg who married into the French royal family, inherited the haplogroup from her maternal ancestors. So did Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, whose recorded genealogy traces his female line to Bavaria. Scientists also discovered that famed 16th century astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus traced his maternal lineages to haplogroup H.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Webster

The meaning and origin of the last name Webster

The surname Webster is of English origin and derives from the occupation of "webster," which referred to a weaver of cloth. The term comes from the Old English word "webbestre," which means "female weaver." In medieval England, weaving was an essential trade, and websters would produce various types of cloth using a loom. The surname Webster was likely given to those who engaged in this occupation or their descendants. The name Webster has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Wabster, Webstar, Wepper, and Wabe. It is a fairly common surname, prevalent in England, Scotland, and other English-speaking countries. Notable individuals with the surname Webster include Daniel Webster, a prominent American politician and lawyer, and John Webster, an English playwright during the Jacobean era. The surname Webster reflects the important role of weaving in traditional societies and the ancestral connection that many people today have with this historical occupation.

Geographical distribution of the last name Webster

The last name "Webster" has a diverse geographical distribution. It is most commonly found in the English-speaking world, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. In the U.S., the name is widely spread throughout the country, with larger concentrations in states such as Texas, California, and New York. The UK also has numerous individuals bearing the surname Webster, with significant populations in England and Scotland. In addition to these two countries, the name can also be found in other English-speaking nations, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Moreover, due to historical migration patterns, there are smaller pockets of Webster families in countries such as South Africa, Jamaica, and India. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Webster reflects its origin and popularity within English-speaking communities around the world.

Variants and spellings of the last name Webster

Webster is a relatively common last name with a few variations and spellings. The most common variation is Webster itself, which is the anglicized form of the German occupational name "Web(er)ster." Another common variation is Websterer, which is a Middle English spelling. Some other less common spellings include Webester, Webstar, Weabster, Wobster, Wepster, and Webstair. These variations might have emerged over time due to regional dialects, handwriting interpretations, or even errors in official records. It is not uncommon for surnames to have multiple spellings, and Webster is no exception. However, regardless of the spelling or variation, all these forms can be traced back to the original meaning of the name, which refers to a weaver or someone who worked with textiles or fabric.

Famous people with the last name Webster

Daniel Webster (1782-1852) was a renowned American statesman and lawyer, known for his exceptional oratory skills and influential political career. He served as a U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, Secretary of State under three different presidents, and played a crucial role in shaping constitutional law and foreign policy during the early 19th century. Noah Webster (1758-1843) was an influential lexicographer and educator, best known for compiling the first comprehensive American dictionary, which would become the foundation for the modern Merriam-Webster dictionary. His work not only shaped American English but also promoted standardized spelling and language usage across the new nation. Another notable figure with the surname Webster is Emma Chamberlain Webster (born 2001), a popular American YouTube personality and social media influencer. With her engaging and relatable content, Emma has gained a massive following, especially among young audiences, and has become one of the most prominent online personalities of her generation.

Genealogical research on the last name Webster

The Webster surname has deep roots in English ancestry. Derived from the occupational term "webster," meaning a weaver, the name was first recorded in the 11th century. The Webster family can trace its origins to the county of Yorkshire in Northern England. Throughout history, the name Webster has spread across the British Isles, particularly in Scotland, where the renowned lexicographer Noah Webster hailed from. The Webster family subsequently migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Today, countless individuals proudly bear the Webster name and can be found in many professions and walks of life. Genealogical research on the Webster surname often involves tracing family lines through census records, birth and marriage certificates, as well as historical records and oral accounts from living relatives. Overall, the Webster genealogy unveils a tale of weaving together a rich tapestry of diverse lineages with roots in England and branching out globally.

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