WHINFREY
Whinfrey
Whinfrey is a surname of English origin, commonly found in the United Kingdom. The name is thought to have originated from the Old English word "hwielfrith," which means "friendly to the whins" – a reference to a person who lived near gorse bushes or common land covered with gorse.
History
The surname Whinfrey has ancient roots, with records dating back to medieval times. It is believed that families bearing this surname were likely to have been farmers or landowners in rural areas where gorse bushes were prevalent. Over the centuries, the name has evolved in various spellings, including Winfrey, Winfree, and Whinfray.
Notable People
Oprah Winfrey
While not spelled exactly the same, Oprah Winfrey, the American media proprietor, talk show host, and philanthropist, is one of the most famous individuals with a name resembling Whinfrey. Her ancestors are believed to have changed the spelling of their surname from Whinfrey to Winfrey.
Distribution
The surname Whinfrey is relatively rare, with most individuals bearing the name concentrated in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions historically known for their gorse-filled landscapes. However, due to migration and historical ties, individuals with the surname can also be found in other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada.
In conclusion, the surname Whinfrey carries a history rooted in the English countryside and reflects the connection of individuals to their land. It remains a distinctive and uncommon name, with bearers who may have ancestral ties to agricultural or rural occupations.
There are approximately 159 people named Whinfrey in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Whinfrey.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- David
- Graham
- James
- Kenneth
- Kyle
- Mark
- Michael
- Miles
- Nicholas
- Paul
- Peter
- William
Female
- Dawn
- Jayne
- Jillian
- Julie
- Karen
- Louise
- Mary
- Melanie
- Nicola
- Sharon