Whitney Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Whitney come from? What does the surname Whitney mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Whitney and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Widney, Witney
Surname Whitney Origin: What does the last name Whitney mean?
Whitney is an Old English surname that originates from the location of Whitney in Herefordshire, England. First mentioned in the Domesday Book as Witenie, it likely refers to the River Wye in the area, known to swell during heavy rains from the Welsh mountains. The surname has also been used as a first name for both males and females and has been associated with various locations around the world named after individuals with this name.
YourRoots data indicates that the Whitney surname has been present in records from the United Kingdom since the early 12th century. Over the centuries, the frequency of Whitney family records shifted from the United Kingdom to the United States, with the surname becoming more prominent in the US by the 17th century. Today, the Whitney surname can be found not only in the United States but also in other regions globally, showcasing its widespread presence and historical significance.
Whitney Last Name History: Where did the last name Whitney come from?
Origin of Whitney Surname: Where does the last name Whitney originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Whitney first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Whitney” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Whitney: What does the Whitney surname history look like in the early days?
The “Whitney” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century. From the 16th century, YourRoots data shows Whitney family records growing in the United States, which eventually surpass the records in the United Kingdom by the 17th century. This indicates a shift in the frequency of the Whitney surname from the United Kingdom to the United States.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Whitney surname today?
By the 16th century, the volume of records with the Whitney surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 17th century, it had surpassed the United Kingdom, a trend that continued into the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. The “Whitney” surname appears prominently in the United States, but is also found in other regions worldwide. It is essential to note that the actual global spread may be broader due to variations in the spelling of the surname "Whitney".
Explore Whitney last name heritage and Whitney surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WHITNEY
Famous People With Whitney Surame?
Grace Lee Whitney
Grace Lee Whitney (Mary Ann Chase; Apr 1, 1930 – May 1, 2015) was an American actress known for her role as Janice Rand in the original Star Trek series and films. With a career spanning over half a century, Whitney also had roles in theater, film, and television, making her a versatile entertainer.
Josepha Newcomb Whitney
Josepha Newcomb Whitney (Sept 27, 1871 - Jan 29, 1957) was an American clubwoman, pacifist, suffragist, and politician. She was a prominent suffragist, president of the local Equal Suffrage League, and the Housewives' League. Whitney also supported young opera singer Olympia Macri through her murder trial and protested to end all-male juries in Connecticut.
Whitney ran for the Connecticut state senate in 1922, becoming the first woman on the New Haven board of aldermen in 1927. She won a seat in the Connecticut General Assembly in 1932. Josepha Newcomb married twice and had seven children. Her daughter Caroline was an economist, and her son Hassler Whitney was a noted mathematician.
Belle Armstrong Whitney
Belle Armstrong Whitney (Sep 27, 1861 - Aug 1922) was an influential American writer and fashion expert, known for her work in Paris. Using the pen name Dinah Sturgis, she wrote about fashion and women's roles in the 1910s. She also collected French poster art during World War I and was honored by the French government for her service.
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