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Origins of the Webster surname

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What does the name Webster mean?

The origin of the Webster surname is English and Scottish, predominantly found in England. It is hypothesised to be an occupational name, deriving from the Old English 'webester' or 'webbestre' (weaver). It would have been given to those who worked with and wove cloth, and their lineage.

Alternative variations of the name Webster

Webster, Webbster, Wobster, Wabster, Webstor

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Where do most Websters live?

In 1921, most Websters lived in Yorkshire.


Census records trace your ancestors through each generation, so you can follow where your relatives lived through each decade.

Interesting facts about Websters

How common is your surname?

123rd most common surname in the UK

We have 258,000 records for the Webster surname. The oldest one dates back to 1300.

Who were Websters most likely to marry?

Smiths

&

Browns

Our Marriage record sets tell us which families married Websters.

What are the most common Webster first names?

  • John
  • William
  • Mary
  • Elizabeth

Our birth record sets tell us the names of Webster family members

Common jobs for Websters

Men and women often performed different types of jobs, so these are displayed by gender to maintain their historical accuracy.

Common Female occupations for Websters in 1921
Dressmaker

1,012

Domestic Servant

699

Living On Own Means

487

Housekeeper

483

General Servant Domestic

481

Common Male occupations for Websters in 1921
Coal Miner

1,284

Farmer

1,002

General Labourer

706

Agricultural Labourer

678

Coal Miner Hewer

585

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We found over 220,000 family trees with the Webster surname

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