Origin & Meaning of the Whittaker Surname
What does the last name Whittaker mean?
The surname Whittaker 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 17,234 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whittaker ranks as the #2,100 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whittaker come from?
The Whittaker 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 Whittaker name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whittaker 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 | Whittaker |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,100 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,234 |
| Per 100K People | 5.84 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whittaker
According to the US Census, the Whittaker surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,234 Americans with the Whittaker last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 75.98% |
| Black | 18.05% |
| Hispanic | 2.85% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.57% |
| Native American | 0.49% |
| Two or More Races | 2.06% |
Popularity of Whittaker Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whittaker surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whittaker surname increased by 793 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Whittaker
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