Type Surname (from location)
Usage English
Pronounced Pron. /ˈwɑʃ.ɪŋ.tən/(American English) /ˈwɒʃ.ɪŋ.tən/(British English)  [key·simplify]

Meaning & History

From a place name meaning "settlement belonging to Wassa's people", from the given name Wassa and Old English tun meaning "enclosure, yard, town". A famous bearer was George Washington (1732-1799), the first president of the United States. This surname was sometimes adopted by freed slaves, resulting in a high proportion of African-American bearers.

Related Names

RootWashington (place name)
Given Name DescendantWashington(English)
Place Name DescendantWashington(English)

Categories

Entry updated December 1, 2024