Whiting Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Whiting come from? What does the surname Whiting mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Whiting and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Whiten, Whitting, Witting
Surname Whiting Origin: What does the last name Whiting mean?
The surname Whiting is of Saxon origin, meaning 'the white or fair offspring'. The suffix "-ing" denotes 'son of' or 'offspring', originating from the Old English term 'Hwita' meaning 'the white' or 'fair one'. The name first appeared in records from the late 11th century and has variant forms like 'Whiteing' and 'Whitting'. It was primarily found in Devon before and after the Norman Conquest, with around 3,169 individuals in Great Britain carrying the surname. In the United States, Whiting ranks as the 2,565th most popular surname, held by 0.005% of the population.
YourRoots data indicates that the surname Whiting has been present in England since the early 15th century, with a steady growth in records through the 16th century. By the 17th century, the surname had expanded beyond England, with a notable presence in the United States. Today, Whiting can be found globally, with records in various countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and potentially beyond, showcasing its widespread distribution over the centuries.
Whiting Last Name History: Where did the last name Whiting come from?
Origin of Whiting Surname: Where does the last name Whiting originate from?
YourRoots data indicates that the surname Whiting first appeared in records from England in the United Kingdom around the early 15th century. This information is based solely on YourRoots data for the exact “Whiting” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Whiting: What does the Whiting surname history look like in the early days?
The “Whiting” surname can be traced back to England in the United Kingdom from the 15th century and remained in high frequency there through the 16th century. By the 17th century, the volume of Whiting family records had surpassed that of England in the United States, a trend that continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. This trend suggests the surname's early growth and spread beyond its original borders.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Whiting surname today?
According to YourRoots data, by the 20th century, the Whiting surname was most frequently found in records from the United States. In the 21st century, although the volume of records has reduced, the Whiting surname continues to be present in the United States. Although specific countries beyond the United Kingdom and United States are not mentioned in the provided data, it is likely that the surname has spread globally over the centuries.
Explore Whiting last name heritage and Whiting surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

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