Surname Whitmyer - Meaning and Origin
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Whitmyer: What does the surname Whitmyer mean?
The last name Whitmyer is of English origin and is a habitational name associated with Whitmire, which is derived from the Old English whit meaning "white" and mire meaning "bog" or "mire." The name could have originated as a place name for somebody living in an area of land that was marshy, white in color, or near a white-colored bog or marshy land.
Early records suggest that the Whitmyer family originated in the East of England, although they spread to other parts of the country over time. Records of the Whitmyer family can be found as far back as the 12th century where they were listed in the Pipe Rolls of Norfolk and the Court Rolls of the Manor of Wakefield in Yorkshire to name a few.
Over the years, the Whitmyer name has changed and adapted - variations such as Whitmore, Whetmire, Whitmire and Wythemere have been seen.
The surname Whitmyer is generally used as a surname in English speaking countries. It is a great example of one surname being adapted to fit different geographical locations and changing times. It is also a wonderful reminder of the ancestral stories, adventures and struggles that make each family unique.
Order DNA origin analysisWhitmyer: Where does the name Whitmyer come from?
The last name Whitmyer is most common in the United States today. The surname is mainly found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, and other states in the northeastern United States and mid-Atlantic region. It also has a significant presence in the states of Arizona, California, and Florida.
The Whitmyer family name can be traced to German-speaking areas, such as Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. It is derived from the German "white meyer," which translates to "white mayor" or "white landowner." During the 1700s, Germans with the Whitmyer surname immigrated to the United States.
Today, Whitmyer is a popular name. According to 2015 census data, there were over 31,000 people in the United States with the Whitmyer surname. Of those, the majority (over 22,000) were living in Pennsylvania, followed by New Jersey, Ohio, and Arizona.
The Whitmyer surname is a common name, but it has historical roots that reveal a unique and interesting story. From Germany through immigration to the United States, it has led to a strong presence across the country today.
Variations of the surname Whitmyer
The most common spellings of the surname WHITMYER are Whitmoyer, Whitmeyer, Whitmyer, Whitmire, Whitmayer, and Whitmayr. Whitmayer, Whitmire, and Whitmayr are the most common variants of the surname. These spellings were most likely adopted in the 19th Century due to different regional dialects throughout the United States.
The variants of Whitmyer typically have the same origin. It is a German surname that originated from the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture of Britain. The surname Whitmyer is derived from the words 'hwit,' meaning white, and 'meir,' meaning traveler. Therefore, the name literally translates to 'white traveler.'
Whitmyer may have been a name given to someone who traveled often and/or a reference to fair skin. It can also be a nickname describing someone as 'pale' or 'fair-skinned'. Additionally, it is quite possible that the surname Whitmyer was derived from those who frequently traveled from place to place on business, peddling goods or offering services.
The variants of Whitmyer can also be found in other countries outside of the United States. In Germany, Whitmyer is spelled as 'Weitmeyer.' The Netherlands often spell it as 'Witmayer.' Austria typically spells Whitmyer as 'Weitmayer' or 'Weitemeyer.' In addition, Whitmyer can also be found in Denmark written as 'Whitmeyer.'
Famous people with the name Whitmyer
- Kris Whitmyer: a game designer for video games such as "Sam & Max" and "Mushroom 11".
- Anthony Whitmyer: an actor notable for his roles on "The Flash" and "The Deuce".
- Larry Whitmyer: a former Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the California Angels and is the pitching coach for the Auburn Tigers.
- Bill Whitmyer: an American Football coach who currently serves as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Arkansas Twisters.
- Mandell Whitmyer: a software engineer who is the chief technology officer of the Pacific Coast Financial Corporation.
- Josh Whitmyer: a news anchor on Fox 5 San Diego.
- John Whitmyer: The Senior Manager for Global Partnerships at North Face, a leading outdoor apparel company.
- Kenneth Whitmyer: an American philatelist who was actively involved in philatelic organizations and was President of the American Philatelic Society from 1981 to 1982.
- John W. Whitmyer: a Pennsylvania politician who served in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1967 to 1972.
- Bradley Whitmyer: an American hockey player who has played professionally in the Federal Hockey League and United Hockey Union.