Origin & Meaning of the Whitefield Surname
What does the last name Whitefield mean?
The surname Whitefield carries the meaning "From a field or open land." 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 1,414 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whitefield ranks as the #19,200 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whitefield come from?
The Whitefield 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 Whitefield name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whitefield 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 | Whitefield |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a field or open land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #19,200 |
| US Count (2010) | 1,414 |
| Per 100K People | 0.48 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whitefield
According to the US Census, the Whitefield surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 1,414 Americans with the Whitefield last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 81.47% |
| Black | 12.59% |
| Hispanic | 4.17% |
| Two or More Races | 1.27% |
Popularity of Whitefield Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whitefield surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whitefield surname increased by 48 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Whitefield
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