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Last Name Withenshaw

What is the origin of the last name Withenshaw?

The surname Withenshaw is of English origin. It is believed to be locational, deriving from a place called Withenshaw in Lancashire, England. The name may be a combination of the Old English elements "wīð", meaning "with" or "against", and "sceaga", meaning "woodland". This suggests that the original bearers of the surname may have lived near or in a wooded area.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Withenshaw

Withenshaw is an English surname that originates from a place name meaning "a thickly wooded area with a small wood or grove of trees." The name combines the Old English elements "wīthin," meaning "a wood," and "sceaga," meaning "a copse." The surname likely originated from someone who lived near or in a densely wooded area called Withenshaw. Surnames derived from place names were commonly used in medieval England to identify individuals based on their place of origin. Withenshaw is a relatively rare surname, with most bearers likely having ancestors who hailed from a specific location with this name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Withenshaw

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Variants and spellings of the last name Withenshaw

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Famous people with the last name Withenshaw

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Genealogical research on the last name Withenshaw

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Last name distribution maps

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Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
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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