Origin & Meaning of the Whitfield Surname
What does the last name Whitfield mean?
The surname Whitfield 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 29,962 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whitfield ranks as the #1,171 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whitfield come from?
The Whitfield 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 Whitfield name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whitfield 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 | Whitfield |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a field or open land |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,171 |
| US Count (2010) | 29,962 |
| Per 100K People | 10.16 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whitfield
According to the US Census, the Whitfield surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 29,962 Americans with the Whitfield last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 44.52% |
| Black | 49.68% |
| Hispanic | 1.94% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.38% |
| Native American | 0.46% |
| Two or More Races | 3.02% |
Popularity of Whitfield Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whitfield surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whitfield surname increased by 1,487 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Whitfield
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