West Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

West Name Meaning: An English/German word which refers to direction or the geography of something. It is also usually on the left side and is on the left side of a compass point.

A topographical surname usually a given to someone 'from the west' (someone that have re-located into a new area from further west) or someone who lives to the left west side of something, eg; a river or village.

Discover how your West ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

West Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the West family

Profession Census Frequency
Scholar 3,870
Agricultural Labourer 791
Labourer 528
Domestic Servant 266
General Servant 225
Laundress 198
Dress Maker 168
Coal Miner 136
Servant 133
Annuitant 127
Carpenter 125
House Keeper 110
Gardener 102
Lace Maker 86
Shoe Maker 82
Cotton Weaver 81
Cook 78
Farm Labourer 77
Blacksmith 68
No Occupation 64
Charwoman 62
Tailor 61
Wife Of Above 61
Dressmaker 59
Farm Servant 59

West Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 West 100% 208,129
2 Wastie 50% 862
3 Waste 60% 513
4 Wast 75% 265
5 Owst 50% 250
6 Wist 75% 185

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The surname West is the most popular version of all its varients

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