Surname Whitis - Meaning and Origin

Whitis: What does the surname Whitis mean?

The last name Whitis is an Anglicized variant of the Irish surname Ó hUiginn, meaning “descendant of Uiginn”. Uiginn derives from the Old Irish form Uictig, which is formed from two elements: ‘uict’ meaning ‘strength’ and ‘ide’ meaning ‘kind’. It is believed that the name refers to the second son of Milesius, who was a legendary ancestor of the Irish.

The Irish surname is found primarily in County Galway with many families still bearing the name in the present day. From the 16th century onwards the name has spread abroad, including to England and the United States, as many emigrated to other countries in search of better opportunities.

The Whitis surname is most commonly associated with Irish immigrants in the United States and Canada. Its connection to Ireland is still recognisable in the states, but to a lesser extent today. Many people are unaware of the original roots of the name and its connection to Ireland, and even in modern society it is often seen as a relatively common American surname.

It is likely that the name originated in Scotland also, with many Scottish immigrants taking the Irish surname with them upon their arrival in the United States and subsequently anglicising it to form Whitis.

In general, the surname Whitis is associated with a long and enduring immigrant history and a very strong link to Ireland and the Irish culture. It is also a reminder of a certain strength and kindness that characterized those original Irish immigrants who took the name with them during their emigration and successfully integrated it into their new lives.

Whitis: Where does the name Whitis come from?

The surname Whitis is most common today in the United States, where it holds the 228th most popular spot among all surnames in the country. The highest concentrations of individuals with the surname Whitis can be found in Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, Missouri, Arkansas, and Georgia.

The Whitis family has a long and intricate history that begins in the early colonial period. They were originally a Scottish-Irish family that settled in the Appalachian Mountains and are said to be descended from the Dysarts of Scotland. The name Whitis is thought to be derived from the nickname of William or Willie, clues which were found in several of the earliest family records.

The Whitis family engaged in a variety of activities to make a living, such as lumbering, leather tanning, and reputation as makers of fine rifles and pistols. As the years went on, many members of the family moved west and descended into California, Texas, and Oklahoma. In more recent years, some members of the family can be found as far away as Canada, England, Australia, and even Japan.

The Whitis family is known for being hard working individuals with strong family ties. They have an appreciation for the land and take pride in their work. They are a family that has remained close and supportive even as their descendants have spread out across the world.

Variations of the surname Whitis

The surname Whitis has many variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The variants of the surname Whitis include Whitice, Whitais, Whitie, Whetis, Whetice, Whetais, Whitace, Whetace, and Whateice. The different spellings of the surname Whitis include Whittis, Wheadis, Whedis, Wheddiss, Whatis, Wheatis, and Wheatis. Common surnames of the same origin as Whitis include Whiting, Whitley, Whitehead, and Wheatley.

Whitis is believed to be an English or Scottish surname that may have derived from the name “Whyt” or “Wyte”, which is an Old English personal name that was used to refer to someone who had blonde or light-colored hair. It may also have been derived from the Old Welsh term “gwyth”, meaning “fair” or “white”. It may also have been derived from the Old English term “wite”, which meant “to know” or “to recognise”.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Whitis was in 1290, when William Wyte was recorded as living in Scotland. It is also noted that in 1379, William Whyte was recorded as living in Wooler. There are a number of bearers of the Whitis surname in the United States today, with the most concentrated numbers in the states of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

Famous people with the name Whitis

• Sen. Bill Whitaker: a politician from Georgia who serves in the state Senate.
• Alan Whitaker: former rugby union player, who once represented England.
• David Whitaker: managing director of the British branch of the world's leading entertainment company, Universal Music group.
• Lewis Whitaker: an American journalist and public speaker.
• Douglas Whitaker: a Paralympic athlete who specializes in track and field.
• Mike Whitaker: an American professional basketball player who played in the NBA.
• Benjamin Whitaker: a British professional football player who played for Newcastle United.
• Lucy Whitaker: a British professional tennis player who won the Ladies Invitational at Wimbledon.
• Nate Whitaker: a professional baseball pitcher in the MLB.
• Kathryn Whitaker: a professional dancer and choreographer from the UK.

Other surnames

Whiting