Whitson Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Whitson come from? What does the surname Whitson mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Whitson and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Whitson Origin: What does the last name Whitson mean?
The surname Whitson has English origins, with records dating back to the early 16th century. It is believed to have been derived from the Old English term for a "white son" or "son of White," with "White" possibly referring to a person's complexion or even a nickname. Over the centuries, the Whitson surname has been closely associated with England, but it has also spread globally, particularly in the United States. Notable individuals bearing the Whitson surname have made their mark in various fields, from politics and sports to science and entertainment.
YourRoots data supports the historical presence of the Whitson surname in England and its subsequent global spread. While the exact origins and meanings behind the surname may vary, its prevalence in countries like the United States, England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand underscores its enduring legacy and widespread distribution across different regions and cultures.
Whitson Last Name History: Where did the last name Whitson come from?
Origin of Whitson Surname: Where does the last name Whitson originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Whitson first appeared in records from England around the early 16th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Whitson spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Whitson: What does the Whitson surname history look like in the early days?
The Whitson surname remained closely associated with England from the 16th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Whitson family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Whitson surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Whitson surname grew significantly in the United States. The Whitson surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including England, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Whitson last name heritage and Whitson surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Whitson Surame?
Peggy Whitson
Peggy Annette Whitson (born Feb 9, 1960) is an American biochemistry researcher and astronaut known for her record-breaking achievements in space exploration. She retired from NASA in 2018 after accumulating 675 days in space, the most by any American or woman. Whitson commanded the International Space Station twice and holds records for the most spacewalks by a woman. She was the first woman to command the ISS in 2007 and served as NASA's Chief Astronaut. Whitson's remarkable career led to her inclusion in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018. Beyond her groundbreaking work in space, Whitson's passion for science and exploration continues to inspire future generations.
Ed Whitson
Eddie Lee Whitson (May 19, 1955) is a former American professional baseball pitcher who played for major teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees. He was selected to the NL All-Star team in 1980 and had a successful career spanning from 1977 to 1991. Whitson's notable achievements include a career-high 34 starts in a season and pitching in the 1984 World Series with the San Diego Padres. His contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact on the baseball community, solidifying his legacy as a talented pitcher.
Keith Whitson
Sir Keith Roderick Whitson (born 25 Mar 1943) is a British banker known for his tenure as CEO of HSBC Group until 2003. His leadership was succeeded by Stephen Green, Baron Green of Hurstpierpoint. Whitson's impact on the banking industry and his strategic decisions during his time at HSBC have left a lasting legacy in the financial world.
Beth Slater Whitson
Beth Slater Whitson (December 1, 1879 – April 26, 1930) was an American lyricist known for composing over 400 songs. Born in Goodrich, Tennessee, she gained fame for hits like "Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland" and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". Whitson's music remains timeless, with her songs featured in popular films like "In the Good Old Summertime". Her legacy lives on in Nashville, where she and her family moved to continue writing and publishing music. Whitson's dedication to bringing beauty and joy to her community has left a lasting impact on the world of music.
Sam Whitson
Samuel Whitson (April 11, 1954) is an American politician and retired United States Army colonel. He represents the 65th District in the Tennessee House of Representatives, serving Williamson County as a Republican member. Whitson graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and has a master's in public administration from the University of Oklahoma. During his military career, he received awards such as the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. Whitson is also involved in historical preservation as the chairman of the Franklin Battlefield Commission and the Carter House State Historic Site. He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife, Pam, and two children.
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