Summary

The surname Wheatley is believed to have originated from Old English roots, derived from the words 'hwete' meaning 'wheat' and 'leah' meaning 'wood' or 'clearing'. It is a toponymic surname, typically given to those who lived near a wheat field or clearing. The surname dates back to medieval times and has a rich history.
There are
12520
Wheatleys in the USA
Wheatley is the
2875th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Wheatley

PhillisWheatley

Phillis Wheatley was the first African-American woman to publish a book of poetry. Born in West Africa, she was enslaved in Boston and became a prominent figure in the early abolitionist movement.

EarlCameron

Earl Cameron was a British actor, best known for his roles in films such as 'Pool of London' and 'Sapphire.' He was one of the first black actors to break through the color barrier in British film and television.

DavidWheatley

David Wheatley is a contemporary Irish poet and critic, known for his collections of poetry such as 'Thirst,' 'Misery Hill,' and 'The President of Planet Earth.'

PhyllisWheatley

Phyllis Wheatley was an American singer and actress, known for her performances in Broadway musicals such as 'Ain't Misbehavin'' and 'Hair.'

DaleWheatley

Dale Wheatley is a retired Canadian ice hockey player who played as a defenseman in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins and Los Angeles Kings.

LeslieWheatley

Leslie Wheatley is an Australian archaeologist and historian, specializing in the archaeology of Southeast Asia. She has conducted extensive research on ancient civilizations in the region.

MichaelWheatley

Michael Wheatley is a British politician who served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for the Doncaster North constituency from 1997 to 2019. He was a prominent figure in the Labour Party.

HenryWheatley

Henry Wheatley was an English writer and bibliographer, known for his works on British literature and history. He was a founding member of the Bibliographical Society.

RussellWheatley

Russell Wheatley is an American jazz pianist and composer, known for his innovative compositions and improvisational style. He has released several albums as a solo artist.

AliceWheatley

Alice Wheatley is a British fashion designer, known for her elegant and minimalist designs. She has her own fashion label and her collections have been featured in major fashion magazines.

Wheatley Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Wheatley' is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'hwit' meaning 'white' and the word 'leah' meaning 'clearing' or 'meadow.' The name likely referred to someone who lived in or near a white meadow.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Wheatley' is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in areas such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Lincolnshire. It is also present in smaller numbers in the United States, Australia, and Canada.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Wheatley' include 'Whitely' and 'Whitley.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe migration and immigration of people with the surname 'Wheatley' have primarily been within the United Kingdom, with some individuals emigrating to countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia.