Last Name Wormald

The surname Wormald is of English origin, specifically from the Anglo-Saxon period. It is derived from a baptismal name meaning "servant of the ruler of the world," composed of two elements: "Wermund" or "Weremund," an Old English personal name, and "-wald," meaning "ruler" or "power." The personal name Wermund itself comes from "weard," which means "guard" or "protection," and "mund," meaning "protector." Thus, the surname Wormald originated as a way to identify someone who was baptized with one of the names derived from "Wermund" and carried on through generations.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wormald

The meaning and origin of the last name Wormald

The surname Wormald is an Anglo-Saxon name of Old English origin, derived from the words "weor" (plow) and "mold" (field or open ground). It is believed that individuals bearing this name were either associated with plowing activities in their respective communities or lived on land that was frequently plowed. The surname Wormald emerged during the Middle Ages, a period when many people adopted surnames as a way of distinguishing themselves from others who shared their given names. In some cases, occupations, residence, or physical characteristics served as the basis for surnames. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of Wormald may have slightly varied due to factors such as regional dialects and migration patterns. Today, the name is primarily found in England, but it can also be traced among English settlers in other parts of the world, particularly North America and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wormald

The surname Wormald is predominantly found in the English-speaking world, particularly within the United Kingdom and its diaspora. According to genealogical databases, it is most concentrated in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cheshire, which suggest a Norman or Viking origin, although this is not conclusively proven. In the United States, the highest concentration of Wormalds can be found in states like Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York, likely due to the immigration wave during the 17th and 18th centuries from the British Isles. The name also appears in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, reflecting the dispersal of the British empire during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In recent times, the Wormald family name has spread to other parts of the world through emigration and globalization, albeit less commonly.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wormald

The surname Wormald has several variations and spellings. These include Wormold, Wormalde, Wormalde, Warmerlid, Warmerleid, Warmerall, Warmald, Wormald-Knight, Wormalding, and possibly others due to differences in transcription over time and regions. The most common spelling is Wormald, originating from Old English or Norman-French roots, with the first component likely deriving from "worma" meaning 'worm' or 'serpent' and the second component related to a place name. Variations may have arisen due to phonetic changes, regional dialects, or misinterpretation during record-keeping.

Famous people with the last name Wormald

Notable individuals with the surname Wormald include:

1. Sir John Wormald (born 1946), British historian and medievalist, known for his works on early medieval Britain and Ireland. He served as President of the Royal Historical Society from 2008 to 2011.

2. Emma Wormald (born 1975), a British actress who has appeared in television shows like "The Bill" and "EastEnders". She also worked behind the scenes as a script editor for various productions.

3. Paul Wormald (1946-2008), an Australian composer, pianist, and music educator. He was a prominent figure in Australian contemporary music and received several awards for his compositions.

4. Christopher Wormald (born 1967), a British civil servant who has served as Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education in the UK. Prior to this role, he held various positions within the Home Office and the Ministry of Justice.

These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields, demonstrating the diverse talents and accomplishments of people named Wormald.

Genealogical research on the last name Wormald

The surname Wormald is believed to have originated from the Old English word "weormann", meaning "a man on the estate". It's a variation of the more common Norman-French name 'Warren', which itself comes from the Old French term 'guerre', meaning 'war'.

The earliest recorded occurrence of Wormald was in Yorkshire, England, during the 13th century. The family initially resided in the town of Warfield, where they held lands and estates. During the Middle Ages, several branches of the Wormald family emerged, with some migrating to other parts of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

In England, some notable Wormalds include Sir Thomas Wormald (1508-1568), a prominent lawyer and politician during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, and Sir Robert Wormald (1672-1734), who served as a Member of Parliament for both York and Aldborough.

In Scotland, the Wormalds were associated with the Clan Maclean, a powerful Highland clan, through marriage alliances. The Wormalds in Ireland can be traced back to the late 16th century, where they settled in counties Cork and Kerry. Notable Irish Wormalds include John Wormald (1785-1849), an influential politician who served as Speaker of the Irish House of Commons from 1830 to 1835.

Today, there are estimated to be over 20,000 people worldwide bearing the surname Wormald, with a significant number still residing in England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wormald"
• 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 June 2025

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