Origin & Meaning of the Whittington Surname
What does the last name Whittington mean?
The surname Whittington carries the meaning "From a town or settlement." 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 17,517 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Whittington ranks as the #2,059 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Whittington come from?
The Whittington 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 Whittington name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Whittington 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 | Whittington |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a town or settlement |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,059 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,517 |
| Per 100K People | 5.94 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Whittington
According to the US Census, the Whittington surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,517 Americans with the Whittington last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 79.92% |
| Black | 14.92% |
| Hispanic | 2.08% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.49% |
| Native American | 0.57% |
| Two or More Races | 2.03% |
Popularity of Whittington Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Whittington surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Whittington surname increased by 354 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Whittington Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Whittington ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Whittington
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Whittington.
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 Whittington.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whittington
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Whittington surname also look for: