Summary

The surname Wharton is of English origin, derived from a place name in Cumbria. It is believed to have meant 'enclosure by the water', referring to a fortified settlement near a river or lake. The Wharton family has a long history dating back to the medieval times, and various branches of the family have played important roles in English society.
There are
11656
Whartons in the USA
Wharton is the
3084th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Wharton

EdithWharton

Edith Wharton was an American novelist and short story writer, known for her works such as 'The Age of Innocence' and 'Ethan Frome.' She was the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.

ThomasWharton

Thomas Wharton was an English politician and member of Parliament during the 17th century. He served as a Member of Parliament for Lancaster and was known for his support of the Royalist cause during the English Civil War.

WilliamWharton

William Wharton was an American writer best known for his autobiographical novel 'Birdy,' which was adapted into a critically acclaimed film. He served in World War II and his experiences in the war greatly influenced his writing.

RichardWharton

Richard Wharton was an American actor who appeared in films and television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. He is best known for his role as the villainous Professor Hugo Van Helsing in the horror film 'Dracula vs. Frankenstein.'

Thomasde

Thomas de Wharton was an English nobleman and military commander during the 17th century. He fought for the Royalist cause during the English Civil War and was known for his bravery in battle.

EdmundWharton

Edmund Wharton was an English architect and designer known for his work on several notable buildings and structures in the 19th century. He was a proponent of the Gothic Revival style and his designs often incorporated intricate detailing.

FrancisWharton

Francis Wharton was an American lawyer and legal scholar. He is best known for his work 'Wharton's Criminal Law,' which became a widely used textbook in the field of criminal law.

MarthaWharton

Martha Wharton was an American artist known for her landscape paintings. She was a prominent figure in the American art scene during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

JosephWharton

Joseph Wharton was an American industrialist and philanthropist. He was the founder of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and played a significant role in the development of the American iron and steel industry.

HenryWharton

Henry Wharton was an English clergyman and antiquary. He is best known for his work 'Anglia Sacra,' a comprehensive history of the Church of England.

Wharton Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Wharton' is of English origin and is derived from a place name in Cumbria, England. The name is believed to have originated from the Old English words 'hwit,' meaning 'white,' and 'tun,' meaning 'settlement' or 'enclosure.' It may have referred to a settlement or estate with white buildings or a white hill.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Wharton' is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Cumbria and Yorkshire. It can also be found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Wharton' include 'Warton,' 'Warden,' 'Warthon,' and 'Wartonson.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Wharton' have migrated and immigrated to various countries throughout history, particularly during periods of British colonization and exploration. Some individuals may have also emigrated for economic or personal reasons.