Origin & Meaning of the Whitson Surname
What does the last name Whitson mean?
The surname Whitson carries the meaning "Son of Whit." 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 9,273 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whitson ranks as the #3,820 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whitson come from?
The Whitson 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 Whitson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whitson 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 | Whitson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Whit |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,820 |
| US Count (2010) | 9,273 |
| Per 100K People | 3.14 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whitson
According to the US Census, the Whitson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 9,273 Americans with the Whitson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 82.7% |
| Black | 11.34% |
| Hispanic | 2.57% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.4% |
| Native American | 1.07% |
| Two or More Races | 1.92% |
Popularity of Whitson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whitson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whitson surname increased by 123 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Whitson Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Whitson
- ✓ The Whitson coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Whitson families live today
- ✓ Notable Whitson bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Whitson
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Whitson.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Whitson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whitson
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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