Surname Whalon - Meaning and Origin
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Whalon: What does the surname Whalon mean?
The last name Whalon is an English surname that is derived from the Old English personal name “Walh” which translates to “stranger” in modern English. This surname was likely given to a person or family who was an immigrant to the region. In some instances, it may have been used as a derogatory nickname for someone from a different location or culture.
The surname Whalon likely originated in the medieval period of Britain’s history. It was possibly derived from the Old Norse name “Valhöfn” which translates to “foreign bay.” This is in reference to a bay where a person or group of people from overseas arrived. Additionally, it could have referred to an area under foreign control in Britain.
The surname Whalon may have been taken on by a person or family living in an area where people were introduced to cultures that were not native to Britain. This surname may be found in the areas of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, and parts of Derbyshire. It appears on a 1775 map of Yorkshire alongside other Whalon surnames, suggesting that the family was likely well established in the region by this time.
The meaning behind the surname Whalon offers an interesting window into England’s past. It offers clues as to what life was like during a time when new cultures were intermingling with existing ones. For those with ties to the surname Whalon, this can provide some insight into the journey of their ancestors and how they may have shaped the landscape of their home.
Order DNA origin analysisWhalon: Where does the name Whalon come from?
The last name Whalon is still quite common in some parts of the United States and in certain countries around the world today.
In the United States, the last name is most commonly found in states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and California. Cities such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Los Angeles, have seen a high number of residents with the Whalon surname. It is also relatively common in other parts of the country, including Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Virginia.
The Whalon surname is also found in certain countries outside of the United States, mostly within Europe. Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, Ireland, and Scotland have all seen individuals with this last name. In some cases, descendants of Whalon ancestors may have left their home countries to relocate to areas of the United States, such as the Midwest or Appalachia.
In addition, Whalons may have resettled in Canada, the Caribbean, and Australia. While the surname is not as common in those countries, there are still pockets of individuals who identify themselves as Whalons today.
Overall, the last name Whalon is still quite prevalent in numerous countries around the world, both in the United States and abroad.
Variations of the surname Whalon
The surname Whalon is derived from the Old English word ‘hwela’ meaning ‘a hill’. It was originally used to describe someone who lived on or near a hill. Variants of the surname Whalon include Whalen, Whealan, Whalans, Whelan, and Whaylen.
In the United States, the spelling Whalon is relatively uncommon, while Whalen is the more common spelling. Similarly, in Ireland, the variants Whelan and Whealan are more common than Whalon or Whalen.
In North America, the surname Whalon is associated with many Irish immigrants who settled in the country during the 19th century. Many of these immigrants originated from Cork, Kerry, or Wexford in the south and west of Ireland. As a result, the spelling Whealan has become more common in North America.
In England, the surname Whalon is primarily found in the East and West Midlands areas. The variants Whelan and Whaylen can also be found in this region to a lesser extent.
The history and etymology of this name suggests that it is an occupational surname derived from the Old English language. The variants of the name indicate both geographic and linguistic diversity, providing insight into the origins of its bearer.
Famous people with the name Whalon
- Chris Whalen: American businessman, former Managing Director of Wall Street firm Institutional Risk Analytics, and political columnist.
- Matthew Whalen: American actor who most notably starred as "Billy" in the 1994 horror film The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.
- Bruce Whalen: American voice actor who most notably provided voices for all three Grand Theft Auto and Max Payne games.
- Philip Whalen: Beat poet and one of the core figures of the Beat Generation.
- Rick Whalen: American film producer and executive producer of movies such as The Iron Giant, Ever After and Sucker Punch.
- Nick Whalen: Canadian ice hockey player who has played for the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League.
- Chris Whalon: Professional American football player who was signed by the Indianapolis Colts in 2009.
- John Whalon: Film producer whose credits include films such as The Whip and the Body and Shock Corridor.
- Charles Whalon: Jazz Hammered Dulcimer player who released the album "The Shadow of Your Smile" in 1986.
- John Whalen: American actor best known for playing security guard "Pete" on the television sitcom Mary Tyler Moore.