Surname Whelton - Meaning and Origin
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Whelton: What does the surname Whelton mean?
The last name Whelton is an English surname originating from various locations across the country. The word Whelton is derived from Old English and is composed of the words 'hwaet', meaning 'wheat' and 'tun', meaning enclosure or settlement. This suggests that the original bearers of the name lived in or around wheat farms.
The Whelton family is believed to come from multiple locations, including the Whetstone area of Leicester, East Anglia, Worcestershire, and even Scotland. There are still Whelton families living in these places to this day, although the majority of the family can be found throughout the country.
Over the years, the Whelton name has evolved and changed in various ways. One example of this is the surname Whelan, which was likely derived from Whelton. Its variations today include Whelen, Whelon, Whalen and Whalton.
The name Whelton has likely been passed down through generations of families for centuries. The family is said to be active in charitable work, is descended from old trades such as agriculture, and is represented by famous people such as the American Senator John A. Whelan.
Overall, the Whelton surname is a rich and diverse one with a history associated with many different parts of the world. The name is still present in many families and held with pride by its bearers.
Order DNA origin analysisWhelton: Where does the name Whelton come from?
The last name Whelton is most commonly found in the United States today. According to the United States Census Bureau, there are around 6,500 people with this name living in the U.S. The majority of those with this name are based in the south-central and midwestern states, with the most common states being Florida, Ohio, and Arkansas. Interestingly, the surname Whelton is found more often among African American families in these states.
In addition to the United States, there are still some pockets where the name Whelton is common. Canada and England both have small populations of the name, with England having around 185 people and Canada about 100 people with the surname. It is also found in Australia, New Zealand, Barbados, and Jamaica.
The origin of the surname Whelton is believed to be related to the Old English words "hwel" and "tun", which together meant a "spring settlement". This suggests that the people who originally held the surname lived around a spring settlement, either in modern day England or the south-central and midwestern United States.
Variations of the surname Whelton
The surname Whelton is derived from the old English-Norse language. It is a combination of "hwaet," meaning "what," and "tun," meaning "town," which reflects the medieval status of Whelton as a small fortified town. Variants of this family name include Welton, Whalton, Whelten, Whelton, Wheltyn, Watten, Whetton, Whalton, Welten, Weldon, Weltyn and Whettyn.
Different spellings of the surname Whelton have been used throughout history, and some of these variations are still in use today. During the Middle Ages, surnames were often spelled phonetically, which led to the creation of several different spellings. The English language itself changed over time, and comprehension of spelling rules could vary, resulting in multiple spellings of a single name. Some common spelling variations of Whelton include Whalton, Whelten, Wheltyn, Watten, Whetton, Weltyn and Whettyn.
Names with a similar origin include Wells, Wilson, Walters and Waltham. These surnames originated from the Old English word "weall," which was used to refer to an artificial structure made of rocks or stones. Similarly, Wallis is derived from the Old English vocabulary word "welis," which was used to describe a protective barrier or fence. The surname Waller is another variant of the same origin, meaning "a fortified wall." Ultimately, the advent of the industrial revolution and the growing need for administrative and government records resulted in a more systematic approach to surnames and the number of spelling variations within a single family began to dwindle.
Famous people with the name Whelton
- Peter Whelton: an emeritus professor of public health and epidemiology at University College London, renowned in the field of mental health psychology.
- Alan Whelton: a Director at the Center for the Digital Future, focusing on the research and analysis of trends in digital technology.
- Jacqueline Whelton: a prominent British scientist, specialising in hematology, oncology and oncogenic viruses.
- Christina Whelton: a British television producer focusing on documentary and factual entertainment programming.
- Richard Whelton: a British actor, best known for his portrayal of Edmund Plantagenet in the BBC television series The Hollow Crown.
- Frank Whelton: a British aerobeologist and astrobiologist, focusing on the study of microorganisms in extreme environments and the search for extraterrestrial life.
- Katherine Whelton: an American model and actress, best known for her roles in the television series and films Nashville.
- Robert Whelton: a British music composer, known for his works for art installations and for music for live performances.
- Francis Whelton: a British composer, music arranger and conductor, specialized in theatre musicals and classical music.
- John Whelton: a Canadian film producer, best known for his award-winning feature films, including the cult horror classic Slither.