Whetstone

Whetstone is a surname of English origin, deriving from the Old English word "hwæte", meaning white or wheat, and "stan", meaning stone. The surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near a prominent white or whetstone.

History and Distribution

The Whetstone surname has been recorded in various parts of the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire. The name is most commonly found in England, but there are also instances of Whetstones in Scotland and Wales.

Notable Bearers

  • William Whetstone: An English poet and playwright known for his works during the Elizabethan era.
  • Sarah Whetstone: A prominent businesswoman in the textile industry in the 19th century.

Variants and Related Surnames

Variants of the Whetstone surname include Whetston, Whetstonne, and Whitestone. Related surnames that may share a similar origin include Wheatstone and Whetstern.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge.
  • Hanks, P. (2003). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 386 people named Whetstone in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Whetstone.

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • Daniel
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Martin
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Beryl
  • Caroline
  • Christine
  • Claire
  • Dawn
  • Fiona
  • Jacqueline
  • Joanne
  • Mary
  • Rachael
  • Sara
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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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