Find out how popular the first name Worthy has been for the last 48 years (from 1976 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Worthy by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Worthy is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 57% of people named Worthy being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 12 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Worthy.

The history of the first name Worthy

The name Worthy is an English given name derived from the Old English word "weorthig," which means "having merit or value." It originated in the Anglo-Saxon period and was initially used as a descriptive name, likely given to children who were considered precious or highly valued by their parents or community.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Worthy can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive record of landowners and property in England compiled in 1086 by order of William the Conquer. The Domesday Book mentions a landowner named Worthy, suggesting the name's usage as early as the 11th century.

In the 13th century, the name Worthy appeared in the writings of the English philosopher and theologian Robert Grosseteste, who mentioned a monk by that name in one of his works. This reference indicates that the name was in use among religious orders during the Middle Ages.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Worthy. One of the earliest was Worthy Putten (c. 1495 - c. 1545), an English Protestant martyr who was burned at the stake during the reign of Henry VIII for his religious beliefs.

Another prominent figure was Worthy Bickerton (c. 1670 - 1748), an English Quaker who became known for his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social justice. He established several schools and worked to improve the lives of the poor and underprivileged.

In the 18th century, Worthy Churchill (1731 - 1814) was a British naval officer who served during the American Revolutionary War and played a role in the Battle of Rhode Island.

During the 19th century, Worthy Stevens (1838 - 1919) was an American philanthropist and businessman who made significant contributions to educational institutions and charitable organizations in his home state of Maine.

More recently, Worthy Jackson (1920 - 1999) was an American jazz pianist and composer who worked with notable artists such as Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, contributing to the development of bebop and modern jazz.

While the name Worthy is not as common today as it once was, it has a rich history spanning centuries and has been borne by individuals from various backgrounds, ranging from religious figures to military personnel, philanthropists, and artists.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Worthy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Worthy, please contact us.

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