Surname Markworth - Meaning and Origin

Markworth: What does the surname Markworth mean?

The surname Markworth is of Germanic origin, coming from the old German name 'Markwort' which can translate to 'Guard of the boundary'. This is derived from the combination of the words 'mar' (meaning 'boundary') and 'wort' (meaning 'guard'). Therefore Markworth can be translated to mean 'the guard of the boundaries'; a defender of the boundaries or a guard of the margravate, which would refer to a kind of border district or province.

The surname Markworth may have originated as a name given to a family who served as defenders of the boundaries or to those who lived in a location where boundaries were closely observed and protected. It is thought that the family may have come from a region in Germany where it was necessary to have a guard of the boundary or margravate.

The surname Markworth is not especially common but is still found in some parts of Europe today. In Germany it is primarily found in the Lower Saxony region, while in England there are still some families who bear the name living in London and the coastal towns of East Anglia.

In the past, the surname Markworth could have been linked to a family profession such as soldiers, protectors or guardians. Today, those with the last name can take some comfort in the knowledge that they come from a long line of defenders.

Markworth: Where does the name Markworth come from?

The last name Markworth is most common today in North America and Europe. In the United States, it is particularly common in the Northeast, Midwest, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest, but can be found in other regions as well. It is among the top 800 last names in both the United States and Canada. Markworth is also found in several countries in Europe, primarily Germany and the Netherlands, as well as in smaller numbers in other western European countries. In Germany, it ranks higher, coming in at number 185 on a list of the most common German last names.

The origins of Markworth are Germanic in origin dating back to the Middle Ages, with the earliest records being found in the 14th century. The meaning of the name is believed to come from the German words "mark" meaning frontier and "wert" meaning guard or protection. This implies a meaning of border protection and suggests a family originally associated with some form of defence or security.

Markworth nameholders can be found all around the world today, but its history and most common locations remain in Europe and North America.

Variations of the surname Markworth

Markworth is the surname of three unrelated Germanic families originating from different parts of Europe.

The first variant of Markworth originates in Bavaria, Germany, and was mostly found among the upper classes who had close ties with the imperial court. It is also spelled as Markwort and the original form was Markwûrt or Markwûrtuheim. This version of Markworth is also known as Old Markworth.

The second variant of Markworth originates from Northern Germany and is recorded as late as the 1500s. It is spelled as Markworth, Markwort, and Markworhte, and in some cases Markworthe or Markwortheim. The surname is derived from the old German wordmark "boundary" and the suffix "worth," meaning "dwelling."

Finally, a third variant of Markworth is found in England and Scotland and is derived from the old Breton Markwarthe, meaning "traveler from the borderland." It is spelled as Markworth, Markwerthe, Markwerth, and Markeworthe.

Therefore, the variants of the surname Markworth include Old Markworth, Markwort, Markworhte, Markworthe, Markwortheim, Markwerthe, Markwerth, Markeworthe, and Markwarthe.

Famous people with the name Markworth

• Bill Markworth: an former Major League baseball pitcher
• Jeff Markworth: an American drummer known for his work in the project bands Angerhead and DV8
• Mac Markworth: an American soccer player and 2016 MLS SuperDraft selection
• Emma Markworth: a Canadian Clue Master and YTV On The Beach presenter
• Christopher A. Markworth: an American biochemistry professor
• Monika Markworth: a Swedish curler
• Olaf Markworth: a German equestrian athlete
• John B. Markworth III: a U.S. Navy four-star admiral
• Jennifer Markworth: an Australian actress
• Steven Markworth: an Olympic level sprinter from the United Kingdom

Other surnames

Markwort