Last Name Withers

Learn more about the origin of the last name Withers

The meaning and origin of the last name Withers

The surname Withers is of Old English origin, derived from the word "withe," which means "willow" or "withy" (a flexible twig used for binding). It was originally an occupational name for someone who worked with willow branches, such as a basket maker or fence builder. Alternatively, it may have been a topographic name for someone living near a willow tree or patch of willows. The spelling of the surname has evolved over time, with variations including Witherspoon and Withershaw. Notable individuals bearing this surname include actor Ryan Gosling and American Founding Father John Witherspoon.

Geographical distribution of the last name Withers

The surname "Withers" is predominantly found in England and Scotland, suggesting its historical origin from these regions. In England, it is most concentrated in the counties of Kent, Somerset, and Staffordshire, as well as London, due to their high population density and historical records. In Scotland, it is common in the Central Belt region, particularly around the cities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, such as Ireland, Wales, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States, primarily through immigration waves over the centuries. The largest populations outside of the UK can be found in the southern states of the U.S., particularly Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Variants and spellings of the last name Withers

The surname Withers, originally derived from Old English roots, can be found with various spelling variations over time and across regions due to differences in transcription and pronunciation. Some common spelling variations of the name Withers include Withear, Wither, Withar, Witherss, Withersse, Withearse, Withhers, Withher, Wyther, and Whiters. In some cases, it may also be found as a given name rather than a surname. It's important to note that these variations can occur due to factors such as regional dialects, individual writing styles, or errors in transcription over time. When conducting genealogical research, it is essential to consider these spelling variations to ensure a comprehensive exploration of the family history.

Famous people with the last name Withers

Notable individuals sharing the surname "Withers" include:

* William H. Withers (1843-1926), an American Civil War veteran and politician who served as Governor of Colorado Territory from 1874 to 1875.
* Sam Cooke (1931-1964), a highly influential American soul singer, songwriter, and record producer, known for hits such as "You Send Me," "A Change Is Gonna Come," and "Wonderful World."
* William H. Withers Jr. (born 1941), an American recording artist, songwriter, and record producer known as Billy Withers. He has won multiple Grammy Awards for songs such as "Lean on Me" and "Ain't No Sunshine."
* Roscoe Lee Browne (1926-2007), an American actor and professor of drama who had a long career in theater, film, and television. He appeared in numerous productions, including the original Broadway cast of A Raisin in the Sun and the TV series The Cosby Show.
* Dana Withers (born 1964), an American actress and director known for her roles in TV shows such as Cagney & Lacey, Hill Street Blues, and St. Elsewhere. She also directed episodes of The West Wing and ER.

Genealogical research on the last name Withers

The surname "Withers" is of Anglo-Saxon origin and derives from the Old English "witra," meaning "white." The earliest recorded spelling of the name dates back to the late 12th century in Norfolk, England. One notable lineage includes Thomas Withers, a lawyer who emigrated from London to New York City in the 1700s and became an influential figure in American politics and law. Another branch of the family migrated to Virginia during the 1600s, where they played significant roles in colonial governance. By the mid-19th century, numerous Withers families had settled across the United States, with clusters in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, and Texas. Today, Withers is a common surname found predominantly in the United States and the United Kingdom. Genealogical research continues to uncover more information about the history and lineage of the Withers family.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Withers"
• 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 : 15 June 2025