Wheelock Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wheelock come from? What does the surname Wheelock mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wheelock and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wheelock Origin: What does the last name Wheelock mean?
The surname Wheelock, originating from England, is derived from the Old Welsh or possibly Ancient British Celtic word chevel-og, meaning 'winding river' or the River Wheelock. YourRoots data indicates that the Wheelock surname first appeared in English records in the early 15th century. Over the centuries, the Wheelock name has remained closely associated with England, with a global spread to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Wheelock surname significantly increased in the United States, where it remains prominent today. The Wheelock surname has a rich history and can be found in various countries worldwide, showcasing its global reach and enduring legacy.
Wheelock Last Name History: Where did the last name Wheelock come from?
Origin of Wheelock Surname: Where does the last name Wheelock originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wheelock first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Wheelock spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wheelock: What does the Wheelock surname history look like in the early days?
The Wheelock surname remained closely associated with England from the 15th to the 17th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Wheelock family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wheelock surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Wheelock surname grew significantly in the United States. The Wheelock surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Wheelock last name heritage and Wheelock surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wheelock Surame?
Eleazar Wheelock
Eleazar Wheelock (April 22, 1711 – April 24, 1779) was an American Congregational minister, educator, and founder of Dartmouth College. He dedicated his life to educating Native Americans, establishing the Moor's Charity School in Connecticut before expanding it into Dartmouth. Wheelock's legacy lives on through his efforts to provide education to both Native Americans and American colonists, shaping the future of higher education in the United States.
Douglas H. Wheelock
Douglas Harry "Wheels" Wheelock (May 5, 1960 - ) is an American engineer and astronaut known for his two space missions, including time on the Space Shuttle and International Space Station. Wheelock was inspired to become an astronaut after witnessing the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969. He has a strong military background as a U.S. Army aviator and test pilot. Wheelock has also worked with NASA on various space projects, including testing the Orion spacecraft. With over 2,500 flight hours in 43 different aircraft, Wheelock's expertise in aerospace engineering and space exploration is highly respected.
Ralph Wheelock
Ralph Wheelock (1600–1683) was an English Puritan minister, American colonial public official, and educator. He is known for being the first public school teacher in America, teaching at the first tax-supported public school in the colonies. Wheelock played a crucial role in establishing towns like Dedham and Medfield in Massachusetts, where he spent the majority of his life. His legacy lives on through his descendants, including Eleazar Wheelock, who founded Dartmouth College, shaping the educational landscape of America.
Cyrus H. Wheelock
Cyrus Hubbard Wheelock (Feb 28, 1813 - Oct 11, 1894) was a prominent figure in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Known for writing the hymn "Ye Elders of Israel," Wheelock served multiple missions, including three to England. He played a crucial role in the history of the Latter-day Saints, from assisting Joseph Smith Jr. in Carthage Jail to leading pioneer companies across the plains to Utah Territory. Wheelock's dedication and leadership extended to various roles within the church, such as being the president of the 37th Quorum of the Seventy and serving as chaplain in rescue missions. His legacy lives on through his hymns and missionary work.
Frederic M. Wheelock
Frederic Melvin Wheelock (September 19, 1902 – October 29, 1987) was an American Latin professor renowned for creating Wheelock's Latin, a popular textbook for learning the Latin language. Graduating from Harvard University, Wheelock taught at various institutions and published works in textual criticism and Latin studies. He married Dorothy Elizabeth Rathbone, with whom he had two children who followed in his educational footsteps. Wheelock's legacy lives on through his impactful contributions to Latin education, making him a significant figure in the field of classical studies.
All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.