WHITEHEAD

Also recorded as White Head

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Whitehead

Origin and Meaning:

Whitehead is a surname of English origin that derives from Old English words "hwit," meaning white, and "heafod," meaning head. Therefore, the name Whitehead can be interpreted as someone with white or fair hair.

History:

The Whitehead surname has a long history in England, with records of the name dating back to medieval times. The name was originally used as a nickname for individuals with distinctive white hair or a pale complexion. Over time, it became hereditary and was passed down through generations.

Notable Individuals:

  • Alfred North Whitehead (1861-1947): A prominent British mathematician and philosopher known for his work on the philosophy of science and mathematics.

  • Betty Whitehead Willis (1926-2019): An American architect who was responsible for the iconic design of the "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  • Karen Whitehead (b. 1980): An English actress known for her roles in various British television dramas.

Variants:

Variants of the Whitehead surname include Whited, Withead, and Whythead.

Popularity:

The surname Whitehead is fairly common in the United Kingdom and can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H., and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge, 1991.

  • Hanks, Patrick, et al. The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press, 2016.

There are approximately 30,873 people named Whitehead in the UK. That makes it the 260th most common surname in Britain. Around 474 in a million people in Britain are named Whitehead.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

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
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

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

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