Surname Ellsworth - Meaning and Origin
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Ellsworth: What does the surname Ellsworth mean?
The last name Ellsworth is of English origin and derives from a place name. It is composed of two Old English words: "Elli" and "worth". "Elli" is believed to be a diminutive or pet name for a person named Elias or Elijah. The word "worth" comes from the Old English word "weorth", meaning an enclosed settlement or a homestead. Therefore, the surname Ellsworth is typically interpreted to mean "Elli's homestead" or "Elli's settlement." The name might have originally been given as a mark of identification to someone who lived in or came from a place called Ellsworth. Two such places that exist in England are in Cambridgeshire and West Yorkshire. Like many surnames, it would have been passed down through generations, serving as an indicator of ancestry. It is worth mentioning that the exact intended meaning of the name may vary among individuals and families who bear it due to its historical and personal significance.
Order DNA origin analysisEllsworth: Where does the name Ellsworth come from?
The surname Ellsworth derives from Old English and is geographical in nature, denoting someone who came from a town named Ellsworth. Two locations in England namely in Cambridgeshire and West Yorkshire bear this name. In Old English the name means "Elli's enclosure," with "Elli" being a personal name and "worth" or "wyrth" referring to an enclosed or fenced off area.
Today, the last name Ellsworth is widely dispersed but it's most common in the United States. Some states where it's fairly common include Maine, Vermont, and Minnesota. It is also found in England, primarily in locations like Cambridgeshire and West Yorkshire, from which it originally derived. The name is relatively uncommon overall but can still be found in smaller amounts in countries such as Canada, Australia, and Sweden. Since the late 20th century, the usage of the surname has been relatively stable, neither significantly increasing nor decreasing in frequency.
Variations of the surname Ellsworth
The surname Ellsworth originates from an English geographical location known as Ellesworth in Cambridgeshire or Ellsworth in Huntingdonshire. Variants of the Ellsworth surname include Ellesworth, Elsworth, Ellesworthe, Elsworthy, Eylsworth, Elsworthie, Ellsywurth, Elleswurd, Ellswurth, and Elesworth. Some similar surnames of the same origin include Allsworth and Ealsworth.
Furthermore, the name may have different spellings due to phonetic translations when immigrants moved to non-English speaking countries. For instance, Ellsworth as "Ellswert" in German-speaking regions or "Ellsuerte" in Spanish-speaking areas.
Surnames sharing the element “worth” are related in the sense that "worth" is derived from Old English “worth” or “weorth”, meaning an enclosure or homestead. Hence, it's common in English location-based surnames.
While the name Ellsworth is used as a surname, it is also used as a given name in English-speaking countries. Albeit rare, some people have "Ellsworth" as their first name, showing the flexibility and broad usage of the name.
Keep in mind that the variants and spellings can change with generations, the usage of different scripts, dialect differences, and personal preferences.
Famous people with the name Ellsworth
- Lincoln Ellsworth: An American polar explorer who led numerous expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic regions.
- Harris Ellsworth: A Republican U.S. congressman from Oregon.
- Ellie Ellsworth: A philanthropist and former president of the Smithsonian Associates.
- Dick Ellsworth: A former Major League Baseball player who pitched for various teams like the Chicago Cubs.
- Robert F. Ellsworth: A Republican U.S. Representative from Kansas and U.S. Ambassador to NATO.
- Frank H. Ellsworth: An attorney and president of Pitzer College.
- Bob Ellsworth: A NASCAR driver.
- Claire Ellsworth: A mid-20th century Broadway actress.
- James W. Ellsworth: A coal baron and philanthropist.
- Chris Ellsworth: A Hollywood film and television scriptwriter, known for works like RED EYE.
- Elmer Ellsworth: A lawyer and soldier, notable for being the first conspicuous casualty and the first Union officer to die in the American Civil War.
- Oliver Ellsworth: A Founding Father of the United States, co-drafter of the Constitution and third Chief Justice of the U.S Supreme Court. Note: Not all of these people are strictly considered 'famous', but they all had notable careers in their respective fields.