WHATELEY
Whateley
The surname Whateley is of English origin and is believed to be locational, indicating a connection to the village of Whatley in Somerset, England. The village's name is thought to derive from the Old English words "hwæt" meaning "wheat" and "leah" meaning "wood" or "clearing," suggesting an agricultural or woodland association.
History and Origin
The Whateley surname has ancient roots, dating back to at least the 13th century in records such as the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where it appears as Watelegh. Over the centuries, variants of the name have arisen, including Whateley, Wheatley, and Whatley.
Notable Individuals
The surname Whateley has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history. John Whateley (1608–1670) was an English politician, and Alberic de Vere, "De Vere of Whatley", was a baron and military commander in the 12th century.
Distribution
The Whateley surname is relatively uncommon, and its distribution is primarily concentrated in areas with historical ties to Somerset, such as the South West of England. However, migration patterns have led to Whateley families being found in other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.
Cultural References
The surname Whateley has also made appearances in literature and popular culture. One notable example is in the works of H.P. Lovecraft, where the Whateley family features prominently in the tale "The Dunwich Horror."
In conclusion, the Whateley surname holds a place in English history and genealogy, with a rich heritage rooted in the village of Whatley in Somerset. Its bearers are part of a longstanding lineage that has contributed to various fields and continues to be a source of interest and fascination.
There are approximately 304 people named Whateley in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around five in a million people in Britain are named Whateley.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Adam
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Michael
- Peter
- Stuart
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Alison
- Emma
- Jennifer
- Joanne
- Laura
- Mandy
- Margaret
- Philippa
- Ruth
- Sarah