Surname Whitfield - Meaning and Origin
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Ancestral Journey: Unraveling the Whitfield Heritage through iGENEA DNA Test
The iGENEA DNA test allowed me to unearth the origins and history of my surname, Whitfield. This adventure of self-discovery led me back to the frosty fields of Northumberland and Durham in England, across oceans to the New World, and surprisingly, towards the Celtic fringes of Scotland and Wales. My lineage, a tapestry of Anglo-Saxon and Celtic influences, is a testament to the resilience, adventures, and diverse life stories of my ancestors.
G. Whitfield
read moreWhitfield: What does the surname Whitfield mean?
The last name Whitfield is a topographical surname that comes from a location in England. It originated as a family name in the 13th century and is derived from the Old English words “hwit”, meaning “white”, and “feld”, meaning “field”.
This is reflected in Whitfield's literal meaning: “the white field”. It is believed that those who took on the surname had either lived in a white field, or saw one in their travels and adopted it as a unique identifier. The name could also refer to families who had white furrows or white crops, or who dug white clay for pottery locally.
Whitfield is an incredibly rare name even in the countries of origin – Great Britain and Ireland. It is most popular in England, where records show that there are currently around 8,900 people who bear the Whitfield surname. This is relatively insignificant compared to other British surnames.
Whitfield remains historically significant in the town of Whitfield near Dover. This was the site of the Battle of Whitfield, a major clash between Saxon and Norman forces in 11th century. The name also serves as a reminder of the richness and diversity of British culture – an example of one small name that has stood the test of time.
Order DNA origin analysisWhitfield: Where does the name Whitfield come from?
The last name Whitfield is a common surname found throughout the English-speaking world. It is particularly common in England, where it was first recorded in 1086, and is believed to be derived from an Anglo-Saxon nickname meaning “white field”. It is also common in North America, with some records going back to settlers from England in the 1600s. It is particularly concentrated in the United States, particularly in the southern states.
In the United States, Whitfield is the 783rd most common surname, with approximately 24,000 people sharing the name. In Canada, it is the 1,993rd most common name, with about 2,500 people. It is also fairly common in several other English-speaking countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
In each of these countries, the name is concentrated around large cities and in the south of the country, continuing its southern tradition. In England, the name is particularly common in London and the nearby counties of Essex and Hertfordshire. In the United States, it is most common in Alabama and Georgia, although there are also a significant number of Whitfields in Texas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
Overall, the last name Whitfield is still quite common today, especially in regions with a significant Anglo-Saxon history. Its prevalence today is a testament to its enduring popularity and its strong hold on the English-speaking world.
Variations of the surname Whitfield
The surname Whitfield has many variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin including Whetfield, Whitfeld, Whitfeel, Whetfeld, Weytefeld, Wetfield, Wheetfield, Wheatfield, Whetfyld, Whetfauld, Whetefall, Whitfild, Whitfelde, Whitfilde, Whitfelle, Wythefeld, Whittfield, Wittfeld, Wittfield, Whittfeld, Whitifeld, and Whitfyld.
The surname Whitfield is Anglo-Saxon in origin. It is an occupational surname, derived from the Old English words “hwit” meaning “white,” and “feld” meaning “open field.” This was likely a reference to a prominent area used for grazing livestock, or a neat, well-maintained field. The surname Whitfield likely originated in England, with the first recorded name-bearers living in Yorkshire in the 13th century.
Variations of the Whitfield surname were soon found throughout the British Isles, and eventually, the family name spread to other countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Whetfield is a common variation in Scotland, while Wittfield is a variation found in Germany.
The surname Whitfield is most closely associated with the nation of England, and its records are clear that the earliest name-bearers were located in counties such as Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, and Lancashire during the Middle Ages. The Whitfield surname is common throughout many nations, and it is still found in England, Scotland, Ireland, Germany, and the United States.
Famous people with the name Whitfield
1.C. C. Whitfield: an American actor 2.Ella Whitfield: an Australian aboriginal artist 3.Malachi Whitfield: an English musician 4.Vera Whitfield: a British singer-songwriter 5.Richard Whitfield: an English author 6.Bert Whitfield: an American businessman 7.Hugh Whitfield: a Canadian politician 8.Emily Whitfield: an American actress 9.Derrick Whitfield: a Broadway actor 10.Alisha Whitfield: an English actress 11.Lily Whitfield: a Canadian painter 12.Bobby Whitfield: an American basketball player 13.Edward Whitfield: a British sculptor 14.Owen Whitfield: a Welsh actor 15.William Whitfield: an American politician 16.Annabelle Whitfield: a British actress 17.Matilda Whitfield: an Australian academic 18.Kerry Whitfield: an American artist 19.George Whitfield: an American football coach 20.Simon Whitfield: a Canadian triathlete