Washburn Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Washburn come from? What does the surname Washburn mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Washburn and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Washburn Origin: What does the last name Washburn mean?
The surname Washburn is of English origin, likely deriving from the Old English term for "from the flooding brook," with "wash" referring to a swift-moving current of a stream and "burn" meaning a brook or a small stream. It may have originally been associated with locations such as Waseborne in Devon or Washbourne in Gloucestershire, indicating a connection to rivers or streams. The name evolved over time with various spellings such as Wasseburn, Washborne, and Washburne, reflecting the family's Norman descent.
Historical records suggest that the Washburn family has a notable presence in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, particularly in areas like Little Washbourne and Great Washbourne. The surname has also been linked to influential figures like Sir Roger d'Wasseburne and his descendants, who played significant roles in England and later in the United States. Today, the Washburn surname remains prevalent in the United States, with a significant number of individuals carrying this name across various states, reflecting a legacy that spans centuries and continents.
Washburn Last Name History: Where did the last name Washburn come from?
Origin of Washburn Surname: Where does the last name Washburn originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest records of the surname Washburn appear in England, specifically from the early 14th century. This data pertains specifically to the exact spelling of “Washburn” within the YourRoots database and does not account for other potential records or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Washburn: What does the Washburn surname history look like in the early days?
The “Washburn” surname initially emerged in England and remained closely tied to the region until the end of the 15th century. From the 16th century onwards, however, the volume of Washburn family records began to grow significantly in the United States. This indicates an important shift in the geographical prevalence of the Washburn surname during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Washburn surname today?
By the start of the 17th century, the volume of Washburn surname records in the United States had surpassed that of England. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries, indicating a sustained growth and presence of the Washburn surname in the United States. While the surname Washburn is most prevalent in the United States today, it is also found in other regions worldwide, indicating a global spread over the centuries.
Explore Washburn last name heritage and Washburn surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Washburn Surame?
Mary Washburn
Mary T. Washburn (August 4, 1907 – February 2, 1994) was an American track and field athlete known for her sprinting abilities. She represented the United States in the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam, where she won a Silver medal in the 4 x 100 metres relay. Washburn studied at DePauw University and New York University, showcasing her dedication to both academics and athletics. Her legacy as an Olympic medalist and trailblazing athlete continues to inspire aspiring track and field competitors around the world.
Mary S. Washburn
Mary S. Washburn (1868 – October 1932) was an American sculptor known for her resilience and talent despite being deaf from age sixteen. She studied at the Art Institute of Chicago under renowned artists, creating sculptures and medallions exhibited across the United States. Her most notable work is the 1909 bust of Charles Burlingame Waite at Rock Creek Cemetery in Washington, D.C. Washburn's dedication to her craft and success in the art world make her a remarkable figure in American sculptural history.
0
0
0
0
0
0
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.