Whitney is a female given name of English origin. It means "from the white meadow" or "white island". The name Whitney is derived from the Old English words "hwit" meaning white, and "eagþ" meaning island. It was originally used as a surname before becoming popular as a given name in the 20th century.
The name Whitney gained significant popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, peaking at its highest rank of #163 in 1970. It has since declined in usage but remains relatively common. Notable individuals with the name Whitney include American singer Whitney Houston and American actress Whitney Blake.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures named Whitney. Whitney Young Jr., for instance, was an American civil rights leader who served as the executive director of the National Urban League from 1964 until his death in 1971. On the other hand, Whitney Wolfe Herd is a prominent businesswoman and the founder of Bumble, a social networking app focused on facilitating business networking and friendships.
In literature, there have been characters named Whitney appearing in works such as "Gone with the Wind" by Margaret Mitchell and "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Additionally, the name Whitney has been used as a title for various songs and albums throughout different music genres.
Overall, the name Whitney offers a unique blend of historical significance and modern relevance, embodying a timeless elegance that transcends generations.
The name Whitney has seen a steady presence in the United States over the years, with a total of 29 babies given this unique name between 1986 and 1989. The peak year for babies named Whitney was 1987, with 8 births that year. Both 1986 and 1988 saw 7 births each, while there were also 7 births in 1989. Despite the fluctuations in popularity over these four years, it's clear that the name Whitney has maintained a consistent presence among new generations of Americans.