Whiston

Whiston is a surname of English origin, believed to have originated from the village of the same name in Lancashire, England. The name is derived from the Old English words "hwit," meaning white, and "tun," meaning settlement or village, indicating that it may have initially referred to a person from the village of Whiston or someone with fair hair or complexion.

The earliest recorded instance of the Whiston surname dates back to the 13th century in Lancashire, where the name was associated with landowners and agricultural workers. Over time, bearers of the name spread to other parts of England, particularly the Midlands and Yorkshire.

Notable individuals with the surname Whiston include William Whiston (1667–1752), an English theologian, historian, and mathematician known for his translations of Josephus and his work on interpreting the Bible; and Joseph Whiston (1808–1869), an English architect who designed several churches and public buildings in the 19th century.

Today, the surname Whiston is relatively uncommon but can still be found mainly in the United Kingdom and the United States, among other countries with historical ties to the British Isles.

In summary, the surname Whiston has a long history in England and is associated with various notable figures in different fields. It continues to be a part of British and English-speaking heritage, reflecting the ancestral roots and traditions of those who bear the name.

There are approximately 1,681 people named Whiston in the UK. That makes it roughly the 4,880th most common surname in Britain. Around 26 in a million people in Britain are named Whiston.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Andrea
  • Claire
  • Clare
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Janet
  • Jean
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.