Origin and Meaning of Wharton

Meaning & Origin

From the herd farm

Origin: Old English - Derived from the Old English elements 'weard' meaning 'herd' and 'tun' meaning 'farm' or 'enclosure'.

Interesting Facts

  • Wharton is primarily used as a surname, but it has also been adopted as a given name, especially in the United States.
  • The name has historical significance and is often associated with the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a prominent business school.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Edith Wharton, a Pulitzer Prize-winning American novelist best known for her book 'The Age of Innocence'.
  • The popularity of Wharton as a surname has fluctuated over the years, but its use as a first name remains relatively uncommon.
  • Variations and related names may include Ward, which shares similar etymological roots in terms of guardianship and farming.