Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Waddsworth

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      Derived from A Place Name

      Variations 
      Wadsworth, Ainsworth, Walworth

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Waddsworth is derived from a place name in England. Like many English surnames, it is often linked to geographical features or locations where families or individuals lived. The etymology suggests a connection to words associated with water or the presence of a settlement, indicating that the name originated from individuals or families who lived near a notable landmark or settlement that bore this name.

      Historically, surnames like Waddsworth emerged in medieval England as a means to identify individuals by their geographic origin. The use of place names as surnames became commonplace in the 12th and 13th centuries, coinciding with the growth of local communities and administrative record-keeping. Specific references to Waddsworth can be found in various historical documents, indicating its usage as a surname and linking it to certain regions in England. The evolution of the name over time reflects social and demographic changes, with families migrating and settling in new areas.

      In contemporary society, the name Waddsworth retains its roots but is less commonly encountered than some other traditional surnames. It may appear in records, genealogical searches, or among descendants of families that trace their heritage back to the regions associated with the name. While not widely known, it contributes to the rich tapestry of English surnames, reflecting regional history and identity. In modern contexts, individuals with this name may be engaged in diverse professions and lives, but the name serves as a historical anchor to their ancestry.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.