Origin & Meaning of the Whitaker Surname
What does the last name Whitaker mean?
The surname Whitaker carries the meaning "One who does." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 56,616 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whitaker ranks as the #596 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whitaker come from?
The Whitaker surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Whitaker name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whitaker trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Whitaker |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #596 |
| US Count (2010) | 56,616 |
| Per 100K People | 19.19 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whitaker
According to the US Census, the Whitaker surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 56,616 Americans with the Whitaker last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 70.71% |
| Black | 24.33% |
| Hispanic | 2.03% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.46% |
| Native American | 0.45% |
| Two or More Races | 2.02% |
Popularity of Whitaker Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whitaker surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whitaker surname increased by 2,273 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Whitaker
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