WHITLOCK
Whitlock
Origin and Meaning
Whitlock is a notable surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Witeloc," composed of the elements "hwit," meaning 'white,' and "lac," meaning 'play.' The name was used as a nickname for someone with fair or grey hair. The surname Whitlock is concentrated mainly in the south-west of England, particularly in counties such as Devon and Somerset.
Historical Significance
The history of the Whitlock surname can be traced back to medieval times, with early recordings dating to the 12th century. The Whitlock family has been associated with various significant historical events and notable figures over the centuries. One prominent figure was Bulstrode Whitelocke (1605-1675), an English lawyer and parliamentarian who played a significant role during the English Civil War and the Interregnum period.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Whitlock remains relatively common in the United Kingdom, with a notable concentration in the south-western regions. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries and beyond due to historical migration patterns, particularly to the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Variants and Related Names
Variants of the Whitlock surname include Whitelock, Whitrlock, and Whetlock. Some families may have adopted different spellings over time due to variations in pronunciation or clerical errors in historical records. Related names may include Whittaker, Whitehead, and Lockwood, among others.
Notable Individuals
Numerous individuals with the surname Whitlock have made significant contributions in various fields, including but not limited to politics, sports, academia, and the arts. Some modern notable figures bearing the surname include Max Whitlock, a British gymnast and two-time Olympic gold medallist, and Kris Whitelaw, a renowned British photographer.
There are approximately 3,315 people named Whitlock in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,739th most common surname in Britain. Around 51 in a million people in Britain are named Whitlock.
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
- Richard
- Stephen
Female
- Barbara
- Caroline
- Claire
- Dawn
- Emma
- Joanne
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria