WHITE
White
Overview: White is a common surname in Britain, derived from the Old English word "hwit," meaning white or fair. It is among the top 50 most common surnames in England. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone with fair hair or a fair complexion. Throughout history, the White surname has spread across the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by numerous notable individuals.
Origin: The surname White has been traced back to medieval England. It is a descriptive surname, referring to a person of fair complexion or with white or blond hair. The name could also have been given to distinguish someone from others with the same given name.
Distribution: The White surname is widely distributed in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. Emigration from the British Isles has further spread the name to countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. As a result, Whites can be found globally, contributing to the diversity of the name.
Notable Individuals:
- Sir Edward White: A prominent British statesman and diplomat known for his contributions to international diplomacy.
- Betty White: An American actress and comedian of British descent, beloved for her roles in television and film.
- James White: A Scottish pioneer in the field of science fiction literature, known for his innovative storytelling.
Cultural Significance: The White surname holds cultural significance in Britain and beyond, symbolizing traits such as purity, fairness, and clarity. It is a name that has been carried by individuals from various walks of life, contributing to the rich tapestry of British society.
In conclusion, the White surname is a prominent and widely recognized family name that has deep roots in British history. From its origins as a descriptive surname to its global presence today, the White name continues to be a part of diverse communities, reflecting the heritage and legacy of those who bear it.
There are approximately 164,351 people named White in the UK. That makes it the 17th most common surname in Britain. Around 2,524 in a million people in Britain are named White.
Surname type: Nickname
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Wad
- Wada
- Wadd
- Wadde
- Waddie
- Wade
- Wadee
- Wadi
- Wadia
- Wadie
- Waid
- Waida
- Waide
- Wait
- Waite
- Waitt
- Waitte
- Wat
- Wata
- Watd
- Wate
- Wati
- Watie
- Watt
- Watta
- Watte
- Watteau
- Watti
- Wattie
- Watto
- Wattoo
- Waud
- Waude
- Wayda
- Wayde
- Wayt
- Wayte
- Waytt
- Wead
- Weade
- Weait
- Weat
- Weate
- Weda
- Wedd
- Wedde
- Wede
- Wedi
- Weed
- Weeda
- Weede
- Weet
- Weid
- Weide
- Weidt
- Weit
- Wete
- Wett
- Weyda
- Weyde
- Whaid
- Whait
- Whaite
- What
- Whate
- Whatt
- Wheat
- Wheate
- Whete
- Whiatt
- Whie
- Whight
- Whiite
- Whit
- Whited
- Whitee
- Whitel
- Whitem
- Whiten
- Whiter
- Whites
- Whitet
- Whiteway
- Whitey
- Whith
- Whithed
- Whithey
- Whitie
- Whitle
- Whito
- Whits
- Whitt
- Whitta
- Whitte
- Whitted
- Whittee
- Whittey
- Whittie
- Whittow
- Whitts
- Whitty
- Whitw
- Whity
- Whtie
- Whyte
- Whytes
- Whythe
- Whytt
- Whytte
- Wiat
- Wiate
- Wiatt
- Wid
- Widd
- Wide
- Widt
- Wied
- Wiede
- Wight
- Wihte
- Wiid
- Wiite
- Wit
- Wite
- Wites
- Withe
- Wito
- Wits
- Witt
- Witte
- Wittes
- Wittey
- Wittie
- Witts
- Witz
- Woad
- Wod
- Woda
- Wodd
- Wode
- Wood
- Woodd
- Woode
- Woodie
- Woood
- Woot
- Wota
- Woud
- Wouda
- Woyda
- Wude
- Wutte
- Wyte
- Wythe
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.