WHITINGTON
Whitington
Whitington is a surname of English origin, most commonly found in the southern counties of England. The etymology of the surname is derived from a combination of Old English words, with "hwīt" meaning "white" and "tun" meaning "settlement" or "enclosure". As such, Whitington likely referred to a settlement or farm with white buildings or white fences.
The Whitington surname has been recorded in historical documents dating back to the medieval period in England. Variations of the name, such as Whittington, Wyttenton, and Wytton, have also been documented over the centuries.
One of the most famous bearers of the surname is Sir Richard Whittington, a prominent 14th-century merchant and politician who served as the Lord Mayor of London multiple times. His rags-to-riches story, including the popular folklore of him owning a cat that eradicated rats from London, has made him a legendary figure in British culture.
Today, individuals with the surname Whitington can be found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world, particularly in former British colonies where English influence has been significant. The name continues to carry with it a sense of English heritage and history.
There are approximately 207 people named Whitington in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Whitington.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- Donald
- Ian
- John
- Maurice
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Andrea
- Catherine
- Claire
- Gemma
- Joanne
- Linda
- Lorraine
- Sandra
- Susan
- Tina
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.