This is a locational name which derives from the small town of Killingworth, in Northumberland. Recorded in the 1242 Charters as Kilingwrth and Kelingwrth, the surname spellings include Killingworth, Chillingworth, Chellingworth and the rare Shillingworth, and all are found in the county of origin, an unusual fact in itself. The town name is of Olde English origins from the pre 10th century, and the translation is "The settlement (worp) of the Cylla tribe (ing)". "The "Cylla's" were a prominent people whose habitations are recorded as far South as York. The surname is 13th century medieval, and the first name recording (see below) shows that even in those times people could travel a long way from "home."Early recording examples include Barbara Killingworth, who married Robert Hatherwick at St. Nicholas Church, Newcastle Upon Tyne on March 20th 1687, whilst Ann Shillingworth was christened at St Botolophs Church, Bishopgate, London, on March 11th 1710. The Coat of Arms is Silver with three red scaling ladders, a suitable blazon for a family hailing from the waring border country in the 16th century The first recorded spelling of the family name is shown to be that of Adam de Kellyngworthe which was dated 1273, in the "Hundred Rolls of Norfolk", during the reign of King Edward 1, known as "The hammer of the Scots", 1272 - 1307. Surnames became necessary when governments introduced personal taxation. In England this was known as Poll Tax. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original spelling.

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