Whelpley Surname

The Origins of the Whelpley Surname

The surname Whelpley is believed to be of English origin, with its earliest roots dating back to the medieval period. It is a locational surname, meaning that it originally denoted a person who hailed from a particular place. In this case, the name likely derived from a now-lost village or hamlet in England. The exact meaning of the name is unclear, but it may have been related to the Old English word "hwelp," which meant a whelp or young animal.

Early Records of the Whelpley Surname

The first recorded instance of the Whelpley surname can be found in England in the 13th century. Over the centuries, the name spread to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States and Canada. In the United States, the surname has been present since colonial times, with early immigrants bringing it with them from England. Today, the name is most common in the United States, particularly in the eastern states.

Variant Spellings of the Whelpley Surname

Like many surnames, the Whelpley name has undergone various changes in spelling over the years. Some common variant spellings include Whelplee, Whelply, and Whelpley. These variations may have arisen due to differences in pronunciation or transcription by scribes. Despite these differences, all of these spellings ultimately trace back to the same original surname.

The Whelpley Surname in the United States

According to data, the Whelpley surname is most prevalent in the United States, where it is held by an estimated 1,033 individuals. The name is most commonly found in the states of New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts. While the Whelpley surname may not be among the most common in the United States, those who bear it can trace their ancestry back to England.

Notable Individuals with the Whelpley Surname

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals with the Whelpley surname. One such individual is John Whelpley, a prominent politician in 19th-century America. He served as a state senator and was known for his advocacy for education reform. Another notable figure is Sarah Whelpley, a renowned author and poet from the early 20th century. Her works are still studied and appreciated today.

The Whelpley Surname in Other Countries

While the Whelpley surname is most commonly found in the United States, it also has a presence in other countries around the world. In Canada, for example, there are approximately 55 individuals with the surname. The name is most prevalent in the provinces of Ontario and British Columbia. In England, where the name originated, there are 19 individuals with the Whelpley surname.

Less Common Variants of the Whelpley Surname

Outside of North America and England, the Whelpley surname is much less common. In countries such as Colombia, Venezuela, Spain, and Panama, there are only a handful of individuals with the surname. While these individuals may be distant relatives of those with the Whelpley name in the United States or Canada, their small numbers suggest that the name did not spread widely to these regions.

The surname Whelpley within the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. The exact same occurs in the case of Whelpley, which as you can corroborate, it can be said it is a surname that can be found in the majority of the countries of the globe. In the same way you will find nations in which undoubtedly the thickness of people using the surname Whelpley is higher than in other countries.

The map associated with Whelpley surname

1. United States (1033)
2. Canada (55)
3. England (19)
4. Colombia (9)
5. Venezuela (3)
6. Spain (1)
7. Panama (1)