WHITWELL
Whitwell
Whitwell is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "hwit," meaning white, and "well," meaning spring or stream. The name likely originated as a toponymic surname, denoting someone who lived near a white spring or stream.
Distribution and History
The surname Whitwell is most commonly found in the northern counties of England, particularly Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. Records of the surname date back to the medieval period, with the first known references found in the Domesday Book of 1086.
Notable Individuals
- Thomas Whitwell (1729–1784): An English architect known for his work in designing country houses and public buildings.
- Emma Whitwell: A contemporary British artist known for her abstract paintings inspired by nature.
Variants
Variants of the surname Whitwell include Whittwell, Whytewell, and Whetwell.
References
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Lower, M. A. (1860). Patronymica Britannica: A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom (2nd ed.). John Russell Smith.
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There are approximately 1,316 people named Whitwell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,950th most common surname in Britain. Around 20 in a million people in Britain are named Whitwell.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- George
- James
- John
- Matthew
- Michael
- Paul
- Richard
- Thomas
- William
Female
- Ann
- Caroline
- Carolyn
- Deborah
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jean
- Laura
- Louise
- Margaret
- 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.