Summary

The surname Whittaker is of English origin and is derived from the Old English words 'hwit', meaning 'white', and 'acor', meaning 'oak tree'. It is a surname that was likely given to someone who lived near or worked with white oak trees. Whittaker has a rich history and is found throughout England.
There are
17234
Whittakers in the USA
Whittaker is the
2100th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Whittaker

JohnSmith

John Smith was an English explorer who played a significant role in the early settlement of Jamestown, Virginia in the early 17th century.

WillSmith

Will Smith is a renowned American actor and producer known for his roles in blockbuster movies like 'Men in Black' and 'Independence Day.'

MaggieSmith

Maggie Smith is a British actress with a distinguished career, including her iconic role as Professor McGonagall in the 'Harry Potter' film series

AdamSmith

Adam Smith was a Scottish economist and philosopher, often referred to as the father of modern economics, known for his work 'The Wealth of Nations.'

PattiSmith

Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter and poet, recognized for her influential contributions to the punk rock and art rock movements.

RobertSmith

Robert Smith is the lead vocalist and songwriter for the British rock band The Cure, known for their distinctive sound and numerous hits.

JaneSmith

Jane Smith was a pioneering nurse during the Crimean War and is considered a significant figure in the history of nursing.

MichaelSmith

Michael Smith was a Canadian chemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his contributions to the development of site-directed mutagenesis.

EmmaSmith

Emma Smith was an early leader in the Latter-day Saint movement and the wife of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Mormon Church.

TomSmith

Tom Smith is a fictional character known as 'Agent J' in the 'Men in Black' film series, portrayed by actor Will Smith.

Whittaker Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Whittaker' is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name 'Hwita,' meaning 'white,' combined with the occupational term 'ecer,' meaning 'ploughman' or 'farmer.' The name was used to denote someone who worked in a field of white soil or had fair or light hair. The name 'Whittaker' was first recorded in Lancashire in the 13th century.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Whittaker' is most prevalent in the United Kingdom, especially in regions such as Lancashire and Yorkshire. It can also be found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Whittaker' include 'Whitaker,' 'Whitacre,' and 'Whiteaker.'
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Whittaker' has been carried by individuals who migrated or immigrated to other English-speaking countries, particularly during periods of British colonization, industrialization, and global exploration.