Wetherburn

Recorded over the centuries in some twenty spellings including Wedderburn, Weatherburn, Wetherburn, Wadirburn, Vadderburn, and many others, this is a Scottish surname. It originates from the barony of Wedderburn in the county of Berwickshire, the first recording being that of 'Wautier de Wederburne of the county of Edenburk' who rendered homage to the Scottish Republican government of John Baliol in the year 1296. This goverment was overthrown by the famous Robert, the Bruce in 1306, and the Scottish monarchy resumed until the Union of 1707. This in effect 'fused' both the monarchy and goverment of England and Scotland at Westminster until 1999. The name probably means 'the white river' from the pre 6th century Olde English 'wedd' meaning white or silver and 'burna' a stream or tributary. The family have had a long and interesting history, being prominent in the affairs of the Border Country for several centuries and taking part in the 'marches' of 1431 when the boundary between England and Scotland, at least in part was agreed. The name was also prominent in Dundee where between 1550 and 1750, the Wedderburns were town clerks and notaries. In addition a family settled in Hungary where they are believed still to survive as Wetterborn.