WHATMAN
Whatman
Whatman is a surname of English origin that is believed to have originated from the Old English personal name "Waight". The name has evolved over time to include the variations "Whatman" and "Whiteman".
Origins
The name Whatman is derived from the Old English word "waelch" meaning "foreign" or "stranger", suggesting that it may have been used to describe someone who was considered an outsider or foreigner within a community. Alternatively, the name may have been a nickname for a fair-skinned or light-haired individual.
Distribution
The surname Whatman is most commonly found in the southern counties of England, particularly in Kent and Sussex. Historically, the Whatman family has been associated with the papermaking industry, with the prominent Whatman papermaking company founded in 1740 in Maidstone, Kent.
Notable Individuals
- James Whatman: An English papermaker who revolutionised the papermaking process in the 18th century with his invention of wove paper.
- William Whatman: A 19th-century English cricketer who played for Kent County Cricket Club.
Legacy
The Whatman surname has a rich history in England, particularly within the papermaking industry. The name continues to be preserved through genealogical records and historical documents, reflecting the enduring legacy of the Whatman family in British history.
Typical given names associated with the Whatman surname
Male
- Alan
- Brian
- David
- Gary
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Steve
- Steven
Female
- Claire
- Jean
- Joan
- Joanna
- Julie
- Lisa
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Shirley
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.
How to communicate the surname Whatman in...
Braille
⠺⠓⠁⠞⠍⠁⠝
Morse
.--.....----.--.
Semaphore
There are approximately 200 people named Whatman in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Whatman.
Famous people named Whatman
- Amherst Barrow Whatman - Radio engineer and wireless operator (1909 to 1984)
- Arthur Whatman - Cricketer (1873 to 1965)
Names and descriptions courtesy of Wikipedia, and may contain errors. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of every famous person with this name.