WHITELAW
Whitelaw
Whitelaw is a surname of Scottish origin that is derived from the words "white" and "law", likely referring to a person with fair or light hair. The name is prevalent primarily in Scotland, with notable concentrations in the historic counties of Lanarkshire and Ayrshire.
The earliest recorded instance of the Whitelaw surname dates back to the 14th century in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Over time, individuals bearing the surname Whitelaw have been prominent in various fields, including politics, academia, and business.
One of the most notable figures with the Whitelaw surname is William Stephen Ian Whitelaw, 1st Viscount Whitelaw, a prominent British Conservative Party politician who served in senior Cabinet positions during the late 20th century, including Deputy Prime Minister of the United Kingdom.
The Whitelaw surname has been adapted by numerous families and branches, each contributing to its rich history and heritage. Today, individuals with the surname Whitelaw can be found across the United Kingdom and in other parts of the world, reflecting the widespread diaspora of Scots.
In conclusion, the Whitelaw surname holds a significant place in Scottish history and continues to be a distinctive and respected name within the British Isles and beyond.
There are approximately 3,454 people named Whitelaw in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,647th most common surname in Britain. Around 53 in a million people in Britain are named Whitelaw.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Alan
- Alexander
- Andrew
- David
- George
- James
- John
- Robert
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Julie
- Karen
- Linda
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.