Wheater

Wheater is a surname of English origin, typically found in the region of Yorkshire. The name is derived from the Middle English word "wether," which means a castrated ram. This suggests that the surname may have originally been given to someone who worked with sheep or who owned a flock of sheep.

History

The Wheater surname dates back to medieval times, with the earliest known recordings of the name in the 13th century. The name has evolved over time, with alternative spellings including Wether, Wheter, Weather, and Wather.

The Wheater family has been associated with various trades and occupations over the centuries, including farming, shepherding, and textile manufacturing. Members of the Wheater family have also been found to have migrated to other parts of the United Kingdom and to countries such as Australia and the United States.

Notable Bearers

  • Frank Wheater (1857–1921) – English industrialist and philanthropist, known for his contributions to the textile industry in Yorkshire.

  • Alice Wheater (b. 1985) – British actress, recognised for her roles in theatre productions and television dramas.

Modern Distribution

The Wheater surname continues to be most commonly found in the Yorkshire region of England, with notable concentrations in cities such as Leeds and Bradford. The name has also spread to other parts of the United Kingdom and to English-speaking countries around the world.

References

  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1991). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 615 people named Wheater in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around nine in a million people in Britain are named Wheater.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Anthony
  • Colin
  • David
  • Jc
  • John
  • Mark
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Mick
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Thomas

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Joanna
  • Joanne
  • Julie
  • Kathleen
  • Lisa
  • Mary
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Valerie

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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