Whittaker is a surname of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "whittekare" or "whittekhere," which means "white maker" or "white spear-maker." The name was likely given to someone who worked with white materials such as wool or lime-white paint, or perhaps to an archer who carried a white-colored spear.
The earliest record of the surname Whittaker in England dates back to the late 13th century, where it appeared in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridge. Over time, the name has spread throughout Britain and can now be found in various countries around the world.
There are several notable individuals with the last name Whittaker who have made significant contributions in their respective fields. For example, Richard Whittaker is a British mathematician known for his work on complex dynamics, while Jeff Whittington, also known as Whittaker, is an American actor best known for his role in the television series "Sons of Anarchy."
Despite its origins and notable bearers, the surname Whittaker remains relatively uncommon compared to other English surnames. According to the 2011 UK Census, it was the 387th most common surname, with approximately 5,400 people sharing the name in England and Wales.
In conclusion, Whittaker is an English surname with a unique meaning and history. While it may not be as well-known or widely used as some other names, its origins in Middle English language and culture offer a fascinating glimpse into the past.
The name Whittaker has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past two decades in the United States. Between 2002 and 2023, there have been a total of 283 babies born with the first name Whittaker.
While it started off relatively slow, with only five births each in 2002 and 2004, the numbers began to climb steadily. The year 2013 marked a significant turning point with 21 births, indicating that more parents were choosing this unique name for their children.
This trend continued into the following years, reaching its peak in 2020 with 27 births. Although there was a slight decrease in 2021 and 2022, with 25 and 18 births respectively, the number of Whittaker births climbed back up to 26 in 2023.
This data suggests that while Whittaker may still be considered an uncommon name, its popularity has been growing steadily over time. It's always exciting to see unique names gain recognition, as it adds variety and originality to the landscape of baby names.