Surname Whitefeld - Meaning and Origin
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Whitefeld: What does the surname Whitefeld mean?
The last name Whitefeld is of English Origin and is believed to be derived from the Old English words ‘hwit’ meaning white and ‘feld’ meaning an open area or field. It is therefore likely that the original bearer of the name lived or held lands on a white area of land or perhaps near a white-colored body of water.
It is possible that the name is derived from whiteness associated with a certain family’s physical characteristics. In some cases, surnames derived from physical traits were descriptive of the individual’s complexion or color. It is quite plausible that white is symbolic of innocence and purity and therefore that the name Whitefeld was taken on in order to reflect that particular trait in the founder of the family.
Whitefeld is an uncommon last name and is not found to be prevalent in any particular region. Present-day bearers of this surname are scattered across the globe in countries such as the United States, India, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The vast majority of individuals with the Whitefeld surname can be found in the United States which suggests that most of these families originated from the British Isles and then migrated across the Atlantic Ocean to the USA.
Due to its descriptive, simple origin, the name Whitefeld stands out and is sure to make an impression upon those who hear it. Bearers of this unique surname may take comfort in the knowledge of its long lineage, stretching back across centuries and used today in honor of the family’s ancient roots by descendants all around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisWhitefeld: Where does the name Whitefeld come from?
The last name Whitefeld is most commonly found in the United States. In the 2020 US census, the surname Whitefeld was ranked 6,461 for frequency, with over 1,000 people in the United States sharing that surname. According to the United States Census Bureau, Whitefeld was found in 20 states, with the highest concentration of the surname in Arkansas (1,722 people), Colorado (1,733 people), and Texas (2,172 people). It is also found in smaller numbers in Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington.
In terms of international exposure, Whitefeld is found in Germany, particularly in the capital city of Berlin. It is also recorded in Israel, Saudi Arabia, and UK.
Whitefeld is an English surname believed to be occupational in origin. It is derived from the Old English words "hwaet," meaning “white” and "feld," meaning “field.” In medieval England, it was used to denote someone who lived or worked at a white field. It could also be used to describe a person who was living in a clearing in a wood, since such areas were often kept cleared of trees and called “white.”
The surname Whitefeld is most likely derived from the same English source, but in different spellings, variants, or pronunciations. Those bearing the name are most likely distantly related, or sometimes a result of accidental ellipses of surnames over the years.
Variations of the surname Whitefeld
Whitefeld is an uncommon surname with roots in Germany, Poland, and Austria. Its variants include Whitfeld, Whitefield, Whitefels, Whitfield, and Whitfels.
Whitefeld is a topographic surname, derived from the Old English words “hwit” and “feld” which mean “white” and “field”, respectively. It likely denoted someone who lived by or near a white-colored meadow or to a bright clearing. Alternatively, it could be a habitational surname derived from the various towns of Whitefield in England, Poland, and Austria.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, spelling variations of surnames became commonplace due to the numerous variances in spelling rules, which led to different interpretations of the same surname. For example, the surname Whitefeld could have been underscored by a scribe as Whitefield, hence the variant Whitfield.
Today, Whitefeld and all its variants are still found predominantly in German-speaking areas, such as Germany, Poland, and Austria. In addition, many of those bearing the Whitefeld surname have now dispersed to America, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Famous people with the name Whitefeld
- Marcus Whitefeld: British Actor known for his roles in 'Little Dorrit', 'The Cottage' and 'The Other Boleyn Girl'.
- Jessica Whitefield: Australian Singer-Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for albums such as 'Uncharted Territory' and 'Ambition'.
- Robert Whitefield: British Actor best known for roles in television series such as 'Doctor Who' and 'The Avengers'.
- James Whitefield: American Actor and voice artist known for roles in 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'Star Trek' franchises.
- Stephanie Whitefield: British Actress and writer known for plays such as 'The Burges', 'Dornresy Road' and 'Villa Fleurette'.
- Drew Whitefield: British Musician, composer and producer responsible for a number of album releases.
- Luke Whitefield: English Musician, producer and sound engineer as well as a member of the indie rock band 'The Flaming Lips'.
- Ryan Whitefield: Canadian Actor and hip hop artist known for roles in 'Repo! The Genetic Opera' and 'BOOBS!'.
- Mike Whitefield: American Radio Host and former chief of staff for the Mobile Mayor's Office.
- Derek Whitefield: British Actor and television presenter, known for roles in 'Primeval' and 'Doctor Who'.