The “Scottish” surname Witherspoon and its variants

Coates, Richard; McClure, Peter

Abstract

The well-known and arrestingly obscure Scottish surname Witherspoon (including its much less frequent but even better-known variant Wetherspoon and the most frequent variant of all, Wotherspoon) has received no satisfactory etymological explanation. We review scholarship about the name and propose a new etymology which suggests that the earliest bearers may have had roots in northern continental Europe.

Citation

Coates, R., & McClure, P. The “Scottish” surname Witherspoon and its variants

• Working Paper Type: Working Paper
• Deposit Date: May 22, 2024
• Keywords: Surname, family name, Witherspoon, Wetherspoon, Wotherspoon
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/12004605