Surname Whitten - Meaning and Origin
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Unraveling the Mystical Genetic Journey: An Insight into the Whitten Lineage from My iGENEA DNA Test
The iGENEA DNA test has opened up a compelling journey into my ancestry tied to the Whitten surname, unearthing a complex genetic history extending from the British Isles to Scandinavia and toward a broad range of ethnic origins. This exploration reveals unexpected connections, emphasizing the diverse migratory patterns inherent in our familial legacy.
Z. Whitten
read moreWhitten: What does the surname Whitten mean?
The last name Whitten is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words hwi(te) and ætt meaning “tribe” or “family”. The literal translation of the name is “white family” or “clan”. As an Anglo-Saxon surname, it was originally used to designate a particular clan or family group.
Whitten likely emerged as a clan name due to a group of individuals being related through kin relations, or related more closely than by mere coincidence. These clans, or family networks, were identifiable by the same extended family name, Whitten. Clan members were often identified by the use of a distinctive badge or crest so that they could recognize each other if they ever met in battle or in times of war.
The Whitten surname was prevalent in Britain starting from around the 12th century. It was highly popular in Middle and Southern England during this time period. Over time, Whitten families migrated to Scotland, as well as to the United States and Canada.
People with the surname Whitten are historically known as hardworking and ambitious individuals, who take great pride in their craftsmanship and traditions. The last name can still be found throughout the British Isles today, where a number of distinct variations of the name exist. Although the recognition of clans is no longer the same as it once was, the Whitten surname continues to represent a bond of family, heritage, and identity that has remained strong over hundreds of years.
Order DNA origin analysisWhitten: Where does the name Whitten come from?
The last name Whitten is most common in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and Southwest. According to the US Census Bureau, it was the 899th most common surname in the country in 2020.
In terms of particular states, the last name Whitten is most common in Texas, where it was the 498th most common surname in 2020. After Texas, the name is most common in Georgia (955th), Oklahoma (1144th), and Missouri (1242th).
Outside of the US, Whitten is not an especially common surname. According to Ancestry.com, it is most heavily concentrated in Scotland, followed by England, Ireland, and South Africa. In England, the name was the 25,084th most common name in 2019.
Overall, the last name Whitten is most commonly associated with the US, particularly the Midwest and Southwest, but can also be found in smaller numbers around the world.
Variations of the surname Whitten
The surname Whitten is derived from the Old English personal name Wituen or Wit(t)an, meaning ‘wood’ or ‘forest’. It also has been associated with variations of the word ‘White’, meaning ‘fair’ or ‘blessed’. Variants and spellings for the surname include Watton, Whittan, Whitten, Whitman, Whitting, Witton, Wytten, and Whitehead.
The surname is prevalent in England, Ireland, Scotland, North America, and Australia. Prominent individuals bearing the name include General Thomas Whitten (1907-1995), former United States Air Force general and recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross; renowned author and feminist Bell Hooks (real name Gloria Jean Watkins), who adopted the professional name influenced by her great-grandmother’s surname, Whitten; English actor, writer and presenter Stephen Fry’s mother was from the Whitten family; and Australian actress and singer Sigrid Thornton (real name Sigrid La Thornton Whitten).
Surnames derived from the same origin as Whitten include Whitmore, Whiting, Whitlam, Whatmore, Whittaker, Whitaker, Withers, Whittlesey, and Whistance, just to name a few. Overall, the Whitten surname is a significant part of English, North American and Australian culture, and is closely related to other surnames of the same derivation.
Famous people with the name Whitten
- Joey Whitten: American songwriter, music director, producer, and keyboardist who has worked with notable artists such as ratherwithfulfil, Eric Clapton, and The Black Crowes.
- Kevin Whitten: Netflix chief financial officer and former investment banker.
- Keith Whitten: politician who served as a state representative for the state of Georgia from 1993 to 2003.
- Charles Whitten: Major League Baseball first baseman, who played for the Brooklyn Bridegrooms and St. Louis Browns between 1893 and 1899.
- Stu Whitten: former college basketball coach at the University of Florida.
- Vince Whitten: American basketball coach who served as head coach of the 1976 NCAA men's basketball tournament's University of Montana.
- Aaron Whitten: American NASCAR driver who competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 1988-89.
- Bill Whitten: former American football defensive tackle who played for three seasons for the Minnesota Vikings.
- JJ Whitten: former NFL defensive back who played with the Buffalo Bills and Tampa Bay Buccaneers between 1999 and 2002.
- Robert Whitten: former American marathon and professional triathlete who competed in 10 marathons, four of which were international.