Surname Whidden - Meaning and Origin

Whidden: What does the surname Whidden mean?

The last name Whidden is believed to have originated in Britain, although the exact origin is uncertain. It is an occupational surname, which means that it is derived from the job that the original bearer of the name held, although it is thought that it could possibly mean “from the wide valley.”

The Whidden family is believed to be of Scottish descent. The earliest known record of the name Whidden occurs in the Tax Rolls of Scotland from 1296, where a William Whiddon is listed. The original family spread throughout the counties of Lanark, Ayrshire and Renfrew, and was predominately small holders who lived on relatively small farms.

The Whidden family were known to be hardworking and dedicated. They were courageous and resourceful, often playing a vital part within their local communities. The name is believed to refer to a family with the stamina and determination to survive the hard life of a farmer.

Today, the surname is still common, especially across the UK and the USA, with many people carrying the name continuing to hold strong family ties and to honour their ancestors’ legacy. The Whidden family is a respectable and established family that has achieved a great deal in terms of business and a well-rounded reputation.

Whidden: Where does the name Whidden come from?

The name Whidden is most commonly found in the United States today. It is mainly found in the Southeastern states, primarily Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. According to the 2019 US Census data, the highest concentrations of people with the last name Whidden are in Alabama, with 1,066 people, followed by Mississippi, with 577. In Georgia, 469 people have the surname and 447 people have it in Florida.

The origin of the name Whidden can be traced back to Scotland and England. According to the Whidden Genealogy, the name may have derived from an Old English phrase meaning “children of a valiant warrior”. During the late 17th century, some of the first people with the last name Whidden migrated to the American colonies, and eventually, some of them made their way down to the Southeastern United States.

Today, Whiddens in the US are a proud, close-knit family, with many of them dedicating themselves to public service, as well as business and philanthropy. There are Whidden family foundations in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, where they focus on protecting and restoring natural waterways and wetlands. The Whiddens have a rich history of preserving the land and protecting the environment, which they continue to this very day.

Variations of the surname Whidden

The surname Whidden is an Anglo-Saxon patronymic surname with a variety of variant spellings and surnames stemming from the same original surname. These variants of Whidden include the surnames Whiton, Widin, Widdon, Whittan, Whiddon, Wieten, Whidden, Widyan, Widdin, Whisson, Witting, Wishan, Widdin, Whiddon, Widem, and Whetton. Patronymic surnames are derived from a father's name, which is why it is especially common to find multiple spells and surnames of the same origin.

The surname Whidden can also be found spelled "Whitten," with additional surname variants including Whiate, Wicken, Widdin, Widdan, Wytton, Weeton, Wheedon, Whaden, Whitney, Whiddin, and Wiggon. Most of these surname variations trace their origin back to the ancient English province of Devonshire, which is now located in the Southwest of England. It is believed that some of these variants may also be derived from Old Norse or Middle English roots.

The Whidden surname itself can be traced back to the 11th century, when it was first recorded as "Hwytton" in the Doomsday Book. Even then, the variants of the surname were abundant, as the records also listed variants like "Wetynton," "Whitinton, "yr Whitton," and "Whytton. The name was likely derived from the Middle English word "wit" which means "knowledge," and "tun" meaning "enclosure," or the Old English word "wite" which means "penalty."

All of the variant spellings and surnames of Whidden can typically be traced back to the same origin, with most of these variants originating from the Devonshire region of England and a few having Old Norse or Middle English Routes.

Famous people with the name Whidden

1.Sherri Whidden: Sherri Whidden is an American Christian author known for her books about grace, forgiveness, and the power of prayer. 2.Cal Whidden: Cal Whidden is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman. 3.Amber Whidden: Amber Whidden is an American mixed martial artist and former "Invicta Fighting Championships" strawweight champion. 4.Dawn Whidden: Dawn Whidden is a Canadian former professional tennis player. 5.Eddie Whidden: Eddie Whidden is an American former professional soccer player. 6.Travis Whidden: Travis Whidden is an American musician, producer, and songwriter. He is best known for his work with country stars like Miranda Lambert and Kenny Chesney. 7.Will Whidden: Will Whidden is an American entrepreneur and investor. He is the founder and CEO of Whidden & Co, a company that helps people manage their finances in a smarter way. 8.Stephanie Whidden: Stephanie Whidden is a British entrepreneur and business coach best known for her work in helping women entrepreneurs. 9.John Whidden: John Whidden is an American professional golfer who has competed on numerous tours. 10.Sidney Whidden: Sidney Whidden is a Canadian actor, best known for his roles in “Murder on the Orient Express” and “Philomena”.

Other surnames

Whiddon