Show ContentsCanworthay History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The name Canworthay is part of the ancient legacy of the Anglo-Saxon tribes of Britain. It is a product of when the family lived in the manor of Kenworthy in East Cheshire. 1 The surname Canworthay belongs to the large category of Anglo-Saxon habitation names, which are derived from pre-existing names for towns, villages, parishes, or farmsteads.

Digging further we found that "[the first element may be the Anglo-Saxon personal name Céna (Cœna); or Cyna; or cyne-, royal-+ worðig, enclosure, farm, estate]" 2

Early Origins of the Canworthay family

The surname Canworthay was first found in East Cheshire, where Roger de Kenworthey was recorded in 1276. Later, William de Kenworthey, 1389 and Robert de Tatton, of Kenworthey, 1370 were recorded. 1

Early History of the Canworthay family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Canworthay research. Another 61 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1276, 1389, 1588 and 1616 are included under the topic Early Canworthay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Canworthay Spelling Variations

The first dictionaries that appeared in the last few hundred years did much to standardize the English language. Before that time, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. The language was changing, incorporating pieces of other languages, and the spelling of names changed with it. Canworthay has been spelled many different ways, including Kenworthy, Kennworthy, Kenworthie and others.

Early Notables of the Canworthay family

More information is included under the topic Early Canworthay Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Canworthay family

Thousands of English families in this era began to emigrate the New World in search of land and freedom from religious and political persecution. Although the passage was expensive and the ships were dark, crowded, and unsafe, those who made the voyage safely were rewarded with opportunities unavailable to them in their homeland. Research into passenger and immigration lists has revealed some of the very first Canworthays to arrive in North America: John Kenworthy, who sailed to Philadelphia in 1813. Among those to follow this first settler were, James Kenworthy (1844), Joseph (1847), Kennard (1854), John (1856), Charles (1864) and Mark (1868), all to Philadelphia..



  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print


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