Origin & Meaning of the Whitney Surname
What does the last name Whitney mean?
The surname Whitney carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 35,118 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whitney ranks as the #994 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whitney come from?
The Whitney surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European 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 Whitney name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whitney trace back to European. 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 | Whitney |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #994 |
| US Count (2010) | 35,118 |
| Per 100K People | 11.91 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whitney
According to the US Census, the Whitney surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 35,118 Americans with the Whitney last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.44% |
| Black | 8.45% |
| Hispanic | 2.48% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.83% |
| Native American | 0.82% |
| Two or More Races | 1.99% |
Popularity of Whitney Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whitney surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whitney surname increased by 867 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Whitney.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitney
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