WHETSTONE
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.