WHITFIELD
Whitfield
Whitfield is a venerable surname of English origin, deriving from various places in the United Kingdom that were once referred to as "White Fields." Examples of such places include Whitfield in Northumberland, Durham, Kent, and Derbyshire. The name is a toponymic one, denoting someone who hails from a place with a name related to "white" and "field."
Origin and Distribution
The surname Whitfield can be traced back to medieval times, with the earliest recorded instances appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086. The name has its roots in Old English, with "hwit" meaning white and "feld" meaning field. Over the centuries, the name spread across the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by families as they migrated and settled in different regions.
Notable Individuals
Numerous noteworthy individuals have borne the Whitfield surname. These include scholars, artists, politicians, athletes, and more. One notable figure is Sir Thomas Whitfield, a distinguished diplomat from the Elizabethan era. In contemporary times, the name continues to be prominent in various fields of endeavour.
Genealogy and Heraldry
Genealogical studies of the Whitfield family have revealed fascinating insights into its branches and historical connections. Heraldic symbols associated with the surname can be found in various coats of arms, each holding its own significance and history.
Modern Reverberations
Today, the surname Whitfield endures as a testament to the rich tapestry of British history and the diverse heritage of its people. Families bearing this name often take pride in their ancestry and the stories embedded within it, preserving a connection to centuries past in a rapidly changing world.
There are approximately 12,381 people named Whitfield in the UK. That makes it the 727th most common surname in Britain. Around 190 in a million people in Britain are named Whitfield.
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
Female
- Ann
- Christine
- Helen
- Jane
- Jean
- Joanne
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.