WHICHER
Whicher
The surname Whicher is of English origin, and its recorded instances date back to the early 19th century. The name is believed to be of occupational derivation, stemming from the Middle English word "whiche" or "wych," which referred to a wych-elm tree or the wood from this tree. The name likely denoted someone who worked with or lived near such trees.
Distribution and Historical Significance
The Whicher surname has been relatively uncommon throughout history, with the majority of individuals bearing this name residing in the United Kingdom. The name may have originated in the southern counties of England, such as Hampshire, Sussex, or Surrey, where wych-elm trees were more prevalent.
Notable Individuals
One of the most notable bearers of the Whicher surname was Jonathan Whicher (1814–1881), a celebrated detective in the newly established Detective Branch of the Metropolitan Police in the mid-19th century. Whicher gained fame for his investigative skills and was involved in several high-profile cases of his time, including the notorious Road Hill House murder.
Modern Times
In contemporary society, the Whicher surname may have descendants who have spread to other regions of the world due to global migration patterns. It remains a distinctive and rare surname, often prompting curiosity about its historical origins and ancestral connections.
Overall, the Whicher surname carries a legacy of craftsmanship and natural association, reflecting the ancestral ties to the wych-elm tree and its significance in English history.
There are approximately 242 people named Whicher in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Whicher.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Jonathan
- Martin
- Michael
- Peter
- Philip
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Alison
- Charlotte
- Claire
- Emily
- Georgina
- Jennifer
- Joan
- Katherine
- Pamela
- Sarah