WHIFFEN
Whiffen
Whiffen is a surname of English origin, believed to be derived from the Old English personal name "Wifa," meaning warrior, and the suffix "-en," denoting a diminutive or a family relationship.
History
The surname Whiffen is primarily found in the counties of Kent and Sussex in southeastern England. The earliest recorded instances of the name date back to the late 16th century, particularly in parish records and census data.
Notable Individuals
- John Whiffen (1782-1859): A notable figure in the field of British botany, known for his extensive studies on native flora.
- Sarah Whiffen (1910-1997): Renowned British artist celebrated for her innovative use of mixed media in her abstract paintings.
Modern Distribution
While the Whiffen surname remains relatively rare, it persists among a small but diverse population across the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia.
Variants
Variants of the Whiffen surname include "Wiffen" and "Wiffin," all sharing a common etymological root.
The Whiffen surname encapsulates a rich history of English heritage, with its bearers contributing to various fields and preserving a distinct familial legacy.
There are approximately 540 people named Whiffen in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around eight in a million people in Britain are named Whiffen.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Robin
- Stephen
- Stuart
- Thomas
Female
- Barbara
- Claire
- Jacqueline
- Karen
- Laura
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Rachel
- Rosalind
- Sarah