Worthington

Worthington is a surname of English origin that is derived from the Old English word "worthing," which means "worthy." The name was originally given as an occupational surname to someone who worked in a weaving mill, as "worthing" also refers to a fuller's earth used in the textile industry. Alternatively, Worthington may have been an habitational name, denoting someone who came from any of several places named Worthington in England. The surname Worthington is first recorded in the early 13th century, appearing in historical records such as the Hundred Rolls of 1273. In this document, a Thomas de Worthington is listed in Cambridgeshire. Over time, the name has been spelled in various ways, including Worthinge, Wortington, and Worthington. The Worthington family has a long and illustrious history in England. They have held many important positions throughout the centuries, including that of High Sheriff of several counties. Some notable members of the Worthington family include Sir Thomas Worthington (1520-1576), who was a politician and Lord Mayor of London; and Sir Henry Worthington (1583-1641), who was a Member of Parliament for Chichester. Today, Worthington is still primarily found in England but has also spread to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It remains a respected surname with a rich history and meaningful origin.