Surname Whitly - Meaning and Origin
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Whitly: What does the surname Whitly mean?
The last name Whitly is of English origin, and is thought to be a topographical name derived from the Old English words, “hwit” and “leah,” meaning “white meadow” or “clearing.” This surname is thought to have originated from someone who lived near a white or sandy meadow, or to indicate the color of the family’s hair color. Most people carrying this surname originally lived on the East Coast in the United States, with the largest presence being in Virginia. The Whitly family likely took this surname during the 16th century when people began to adopt more permanent, hereditary last names.
Today, the surname Whitly is quite a common name. From city councils to high-ranking military officers to successful business professionals, the Whitly family is well represented in many professions. Regardless of profession, many people carrying this surname likely forged their path through hard work and dedication, staying true to the values of their ancestors. To them, Whitly can mean a legacy of perseverance, loyalty, and strength – a reminder of those who came before and paved the way for the family’s success today.
Order DNA origin analysisWhitly: Where does the name Whitly come from?
The last name Whitly is most commonly found in the United States and Canada, with significant populations in England, Australia, and New Zealand.
In the U.S., the states with the largest populations of Whitlys are California, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and New York. California alone has more than 6,000 Whitlys.
In England, the Whitly name is most concentrated in Greater London and the West Midlands.
In Australia, the most Whitlys are found in New South Wales and Victoria.
In Canada, the largest populations are found in Ontario and Alberta.
The Whitly surname appears to have originated in England before spreading to the rest of the British Isles. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word whit or hwit, which indicated a person with blond hair or fair complexion.
Today, there are at least 7,900 people in the U.S., 11,500 in the UK, 4400 in Australia and 4000 in Canada with the last name Whitly.
Variations of the surname Whitly
The surname Whitly is an old Anglo-Saxon surname dating back to before the Norman Conquest of 1066 and originating in Britain. It comes from a combination of the Anglo-Saxon word 'hwit', meaning white or fair, and 'leah', a wood or clearing. Variations of this surname include: Whitley, Whitly, Whitlie, Whitely, Whitize, Whitlee, Whetley, Whetlie, Whetly, Whetlee, Whately, Wheately, Wheatly, Wheatlie and Wheatley.
Variations of this surname span many English-speaking countries. In the United States for example, Whitly can be written as Whitley, Whetley, Whetlie, Whetly and Whetlee. In Scotland, the spelling Whitly may also sometimes be found as Whitele or Whitel. In France, Whitly is widely spelled blanchet, while in Germany it is sometimes Blanck or Blanke. In Spain it is generally given as Blanco, Blanca or Blanco. In Ireland, it is often spelled Whetley, Whetlie, Whetly,Whately or Wheatley.
The spelling of the surname Whitly has evolved over time and so many spellings variations exist both in Britain and overseas. A person carrying the surname of Whitly is likely descended from an Anglo-Saxon ancestor and some variants may exist with the same root of origin. However, it is also possible that the surname has been changed through migration or through local dialect.
Famous people with the name Whitly
- Maisie Whitley: British born model and social media influencer
- Philip Whitley: British physicist and professor
- John Whitley: British professor of molecular oncology
- John Whitly: English football referee
- Brian Whitly: Australian writer and journalist
- Chris Whitly: American blues musician
- David Whitly: American athlete and football coach
- Linda Whitly: American pediatrician
- Mark Whitly: British former professional footballer
- Paige Whitly: American Paralympic snowboarder
- Cyril Whitly-British actor
- Walter Whitly- Australian pianist, composer, and conductor
- Bette Whitly- American actress
- Macon Whitly- American actor
- Steven Whitly- American actor
- Spencer Whitly- American actor
- Brett Whitly-American actor
- Robert Whitly- American composer
- Richard Whitly- British actor
- Sara Whitly- British actress