Surname Whitefield - Meaning and Origin
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Whitefield: What does the surname Whitefield mean?
The surname Whitefield is an English topographic surname which is derived from either one of two places; in west Sussex called ‘Whitefield’, or in Gloucestershire called ‘Whitfield’. The name of these places is derived from the Old English words ‘hwit’, which means ‘white’, and ‘feld’ which means ‘field’ or ‘open land’. To simplify, the literal meaning of Whitefield is 'a white open area of land’.
Today, Whitefield is a popular and widespread surname. It is well known for many prominent people who have borne the name, such as the famous British preacher and Evangelist George Whitefield. He was a pivotal, influential figure in the religious establishment of 18th century Great Britain, America and beyond.
A large number of now famous individuals and family lines who carry the name originated from the market town of Sherborne and other near-by areas in Dorset, suggesting that some of ancestors of those with the surname Whitefield may have originated from this region in Britain.
In the Second World War, a George Whitefield was awarded an MBE in recognition of his service and bravery. After the war Whitefield emigrated to the United States and became an important member of the New York Metropolitan Opera.
Whitefield can also be found in Australia where it was popularised following the gold rush in the 19th century and in other parts of the world, such as India, Canada and the United States. There is also a city in the state of Maharashtra called Whitefield - a clear testament to the global spread of the surname.
Order DNA origin analysisWhitefield: Where does the name Whitefield come from?
The last name Whitefield is most commonly found in the United Kingdom today, although it can also be found in the United States, Australia, and Canada. It is most commonly concentrated in the counties of Devon and Dorset in the south west of England, which is where it originated. This is also where its popularity has remained concentrated over the centuries.
Whitefield is an English name derived from the old English elements "hwhite," meaning "white," and "feld," meaning "field." It was most likely originally a topographical name for someone who lived in a white patch of field or on a white field. The name was first found in Devon as early as 1208 in the Devonshire Pipe Rolls, where a Robert de Whytefeld is recorded.
The name can also be found in several other English counties, but particularly in the Midlands. It is believed to have spread to these areas through migration of people from Devon and Dorset during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Whitefield is a fairly common name today, especially in the areas it originally existed in. This is likely due to the fact that the areas in question were rural farming communities for centuries, and people tended to stay in family areas. However, there are now Whitefields living all over the world due to various migrations that have taken place over the centuries.
Variations of the surname Whitefield
The surname Whitefield is derived from a topographic name for someone who lived by a white-colored area or a white-colored field. This surname has many variants depending on the language and culture of the area, some of these include Whitfield, Whitefeild, Whitfeild, Whitefild, Whitfild, Whitfield, Whetefeld, Whitefeld, Whetfeld, Whetfield, Whitful, Whifield,Whiffield and Wiffield.
This surname is also known as a habitational name, as it can be found in places such as Whitefield, which is a hamlet and civil parish in Tameside, Greater Manchester.
This surname has been widely used in North America, particularly among those of British and Irish descent. Some of the variants of this surname can be seen in other parts of the world too such as Wales, Canada, Germany, France and Scandinavia.
Whitefield is also a popular name in India, especially in South India. Its variants, such as Whitfield, can also be found in the country. The surnames are often used by both Hindu and Christian families, although there is some variation in the usage. For example, Whitfield is used more often as a Christian name while Whitefield is often used by Hindus.
The surname can also be metamorphosed into other names such as Whitley, Wheaton, and Whitly. Additionally, several nicknames and diminutive forms have been derived from Whitefield such as Whit, Whitie, and Whitey.
Overall, the surname Whitefield has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. No matter what form it takes, it is a name that has been used by many families all around the world for many generations.
Famous people with the name Whitefield
- Benjamin Whitefield: British actor who was best known for roles in television shows such as Upstairs, Downstairs and The Sweeney.
- Charles Whitefield: American actor and television director, most credited for his work on Leave it to Beaver.
- Reuben Whitefield: American actor who is renowned for his role in the miniseries, Rachel and the Stranger.
- Liz Whitefield: British actor who starred in Broadchurch, Luther, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein.
- Russell Whitefield: English actor and writer, best known for theatrical roles including in the musicals She Loves Me and 11:11.
- Sarah Whitefield: English actress who appeared in a variety of television productions such as That'll Be the Day and A Touch of Frost.
- John Whitefield: American actor and comedian, best remembered for his role as Binkey in The Hudsucker Proxy.
- Deborah Whitefield: British actress known for her roles in EastEnders, Lark Rise to Candleford and Agony.
- Nathaniel Whitefield: early American minister and theologian from Maryland, noted for participating in the Great Awakening revival in the United States.
- Charles Dallon Whitefield: British actor who is known for his work in the soap opera Doctors.