Summary

The surname Webster is of Old English origin and is derived from the occupation of one who weaves cloth. It has a long history dating back to medieval times and is associated with the weaving trade.
There are
72625
Websters in the USA
Webster is the
453rd
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Webster

NoahWebster

Noah Webster was an American lexicographer, textbook pioneer, English-language spelling reformer, political writer, editor, and prolific author. He has been called the 'Father of American Scholarship and Education.' He is best known for his American Dictionary of the English Language, first published in 1828.

ClaireWebster

Claire Webster is a Canadian television personality and journalist. She is best known for her work as a news anchor for CTV Montreal, where she has been reporting and anchoring since 2004. She has covered a wide range of news stories and has received numerous awards for her journalism.

DanielWebster

Daniel Webster was an American statesman who represented New Hampshire and Massachusetts in the United States Congress and served as the U.S. Secretary of State under Presidents William Henry Harrison, John Tyler, and Millard Fillmore. He was known for his eloquence and dominant presence in American politics during the first half of the 19th century.

JohnWebster

John Webster was an English playwright and poet of the Jacobean era. He is best known for his dark and violent plays, including 'The White Devil' and 'The Duchess of Malfi,' which are considered masterpieces of English Renaissance drama.

EmmaWebster

Emma Webster is a British folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. She is known for her introspective and poetic lyrics, delicate melodies, and haunting vocals. She has released several critically acclaimed albums and has gained a loyal following in the folk music scene.

NoelWebster

Noel Webster is an Australian former professional tennis player. He achieved a career-high rank of No. 4 in the world and won several Grand Slam titles during his career. He was known for his powerful serve and aggressive playing style.

MaryWebster

Mary Webster was an American colonial accused of witchcraft in the late 17th century. She was one of the last women to be accused and stood trial for witchcraft in the American colonies. She was acquitted, and her case is often cited as an example of the declining belief in witchcraft in the New England colonies.

WebbSimpson

Webb Simpson is an American professional golfer who has won numerous tournaments on the PGA Tour, including the U.S. Open in 2012. He is known for his consistent play and strong short game.

HarrietWebster

Harriet Webster was an African-American civil rights activist who played a key role in the desegregation of schools in the United States. She was one of the first African-American students to attend a previously all-white school and faced significant opposition and discrimination in her efforts to gain an education.

LintonWebster

Linton Webster is a Jamaican sprinter who has represented Jamaica in several international competitions. He has won multiple medals at the Olympic Games and World Championships and is considered one of the fastest sprinters in the world.

Webster Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Webster' is of occupational origin, derived from the Middle English word 'webster,' meaning 'weaver.' It originally referred to someone who worked as a weaver of cloth. The name was common in medieval England and Scotland, and it is likely that many bearers of the name were involved in the textile industry.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Webster' is most common in the United States, particularly in states with strong historical connections to English and Scottish immigration, such as Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. It is also found in significant numbers in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Webster' include 'Webstar,' 'Webber,' and 'Webstair.' These variations may reflect regional or dialectal differences in pronunciation and spelling.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Webster' has been carried by immigrants from the United Kingdom to various countries, especially during periods of industrialization and economic opportunity. Many Webster families settled in the United States and Canada, where they contributed to the growth of the textile and manufacturing industries.