Last Name Wharton

The last name "Wharton" is of English origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically "Wheat-Town" or "Wheat Settlement." The name is believed to have been originally associated with a town or settlement where wheat was grown, and over time, individuals residing in or near that place adopted the name as their own surname. The name "Wharton" can be found throughout England, particularly in the North West region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wharton

The meaning and origin of the last name Wharton

The surname Wharton is of English origin. It is a locational surname derived from the place name "Wharton" found in multiple locations in England, including Northumberland, West Yorkshire, and Cumbria. The name itself is composed of two elements: "hwaete," meaning "wheat," and "tun," meaning "enclosure" or "settlement."

The Wharton surname likely originated from individuals who resided or had ancestral connections to these various Wharton places. As was common with many locational surnames, individuals adopted the name of their birthplace or place of residence to distinguish themselves from others with similar given names in their locale.

Over time, the surname Wharton spread across different regions of England, and individuals bearing this name migrated to various countries. Today, the name Wharton can be found worldwide, carried by individuals who share a common ancestral background tied to these English places.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wharton

The last name Wharton is primarily found in the United Kingdom and the United States. In the UK, it is most commonly found in the counties of Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, with a significant concentration in the northern regions of these counties. This suggests that the name may have originated from these areas. In the United States, the Wharton name is most prevalent in the southern states, particularly in Texas, Georgia, and Mississippi. There is also a notable presence of the surname in California and New York. This distribution suggests that the Wharton name may have spread to the US through migration and settlement patterns. Overall, the geographical distribution of the Wharton surname indicates a strong connection to both the UK and the US, with concentrations in specific regions within these countries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wharton

The last name Wharton has several variations and spellings that have evolved over time. Some of the common variations include Warton, Warthon, Wurton, and Wurthon. These variations may have originated due to regional accents, dialects, or simple mistakes made during the recording or transcription of names. It is also possible that some individuals intentionally changed the spelling to make their names more unique or to distance themselves from certain family associations. Moreover, the spelling of Wharton might differ across countries or be anglicized depending on the region. For instance, in Scotland, it could be spelled as Wairton or Wairtoun. In Ireland, it might be written as Warton or Warten. Similarly, in certain European countries, it could be spelled as Quaerton or Quarton. These variations highlight the diverse ways in which the last name Wharton has been recorded and illustrate the flexibility and adaptability of surnames throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Wharton

Edith Wharton (1862-1937) is perhaps the most famous individual with the last name Wharton. She was an American novelist, short story writer, and designer, known for her insightful portrayals of the upper-class society during the 19th century. Wharton's notable works include "The Age of Innocence," for which she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1921. Her writing focused on themes of societal constraints, gender roles, and the complexity of relationships. Edith Wharton's literary contributions continue to be celebrated for their exquisite prose and her ability to capture the essence of the Gilded Age.

Apart from Edith Wharton, there are other famous individuals with the last name Wharton in various fields. Thomas Wharton was an English botanist and physician in the 17th century, known for his groundbreaking studies in plant taxonomy. Additionally, Kenneth Wharton was a racing driver, renowned for his performances in motorcycle racing, winning the Isle of Man TT races 6 times between 1950 and 1954. These individuals, along with Edith Wharton, have left their mark in different arenas and contributed to their respective fields of expertise.

Genealogical research on the last name Wharton

The Wharton family name has a rich history that can be traced back to medieval England. The surname originated from a place-name in North Yorkshire called "Warton," meaning a farmstead or settlement near a weir or dam. The earliest record of the Wharton name dates back to the 12th century, where one Adam de Warton was mentioned in historical documents. The Whartons gained prominence during the Tudor period when Sir Thomas Wharton became an influential figure at the court of Henry VIII. The family continued to play significant roles in English society, with notable members serving as parliamentarians, diplomats, and military officers. In the 17th century, the Whartons expanded their influence overseas, particularly in the American colonies, where their descendants played vital roles in the founding and development of several states. Today, the Wharton name carries a sense of history, nobility, and achievement.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wharton"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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