Whewell

The surname Whewell is of English origin and is believed to have originated as a locational surname for someone who lived near a spring, stream, or well. The name is derived from the Old English word "wiell" or "wiella," meaning a spring or well.

The Whewell surname is not very common and is mostly found in the historical records of northern England, particularly in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

One of the notable bearers of the Whewell surname was William Whewell (1794–1866), a prominent English polymath, scientist, philosopher, theologian, and historian of science. William Whewell made significant contributions to various fields, including the philosophy of science and the history of architecture.

Over the centuries, the Whewell surname may have evolved in spelling and pronunciation, resulting in variations such as Whowell or Whiwell.

Today, individuals bearing the Whewell surname can be found across the United Kingdom and in parts of the English-speaking world. The surname continues to carry a sense of heritage and history, reflecting the English landscape and the legacy of those who once bore the name.

There are approximately 646 people named Whewell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around ten in a million people in Britain are named Whewell.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Bryan
  • Christopher
  • David
  • Glenn
  • Ian
  • James
  • John
  • Matthew
  • Michael
  • Murray
  • Paul
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • Toni

Female

  • Alison
  • Amanda
  • Anne
  • Doreen
  • Dorothy
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Sarah
  • Toni

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