Origin and Meaning of Winthrop

Meaning & Origin

From the friend’s village

Origin: Old English - Derived from the Old English elements 'wine' meaning 'friend' and 'throp' meaning 'village or settlement'.

Interesting Facts

  • Winthrop is often associated with the Winthrop family, who were prominent figures in early American history, particularly in New England.
  • The name has historical significance in the United States, notably tied to John Winthrop, who was a leading figure in the founding of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1630.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Winthrop Rockefeller, an American businessman and politician, and Winthrop, Massachusetts, named after John Winthrop.
  • While not extremely common today, the name has seen a notable resurgence among those seeking traditional or distinctive names.
  • Variations of the name include Win and Winny, and it can also be a surname.