Origin & Meaning of the Whittier Surname
What does the last name Whittier mean?
The surname Whittier carries the meaning "One who does (occupation)." It is derived from the French language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 2,589 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whittier ranks as the #12,047 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whittier come from?
The Whittier surname has its roots in French heritage. Names of French 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 Whittier name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whittier trace back to French. 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 | Whittier |
|---|---|
| Meaning | One who does (occupation) |
| Origin | French |
| Language | French |
| US Rank (2010) | #12,047 |
| US Count (2010) | 2,589 |
| Per 100K People | 0.88 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whittier
According to the US Census, the Whittier surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 2,589 Americans with the Whittier last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.2% |
| Black | 11.94% |
| Hispanic | 1.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.66% |
| Two or More Races | 2.24% |
Popularity of Whittier Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whittier surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whittier surname increased by 132 between 2000 and 2010.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Whittier
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