The surname 'Whitaker' is of English origin and has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is a surname that has spread to many different countries around the world, with varying levels of incidence in each country. In this article, we will explore the origins of the Whitaker surname, its meaning, and its prevalence in different regions.
The surname 'Whitaker' is of occupational origin, deriving from the Old English word 'hwita,' meaning 'white,' and 'cær,' meaning 'maker' or 'craftsman.' Therefore, a 'Whitaker' was originally a maker of white cloth or garments, indicating that the original bearer of the surname was likely involved in the textile industry. The surname could also have derived from a place name, such as Whitacre in Warwickshire, England.
The Whitaker surname has a significant presence in the United States, with an incidence of 73,572. This is followed by the United Kingdom (England) with an incidence of 10,580, Australia with 1,684, Canada with 1,074, Brazil with 928, and South Africa with 876. Other countries with notable incidences of the Whitaker surname include New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Germany, Spain, Argentina, Zimbabwe, Philippines, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Singapore, Northern Ireland, Sweden, Cayman Islands, Netherlands, Costa Rica, France, Isle of Man, Virgin Islands, Switzerland, Israel, Bahrain, Chile, India, Uruguay, Norway, Czech Republic, Italy, Thailand, Japan, Guernsey, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Zambia, Russia, Belgium, Jersey, Cambodia, Monaco, Denmark, Peru, Afghanistan, Indonesia, Jamaica, Taiwan, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, French Polynesia, Guatemala, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Honduras, Hungary, American Samoa, Seychelles, Austria, Sudan, Iraq, Saint Helena, Bahamas, Ukraine, Uganda, South Korea, Cyprus, Morocco, Kosovo, Marshall Islands, Malta, Malaysia.
In North America, the Whitaker surname is most prevalent in the United States and Canada. In Europe, it is most common in the United Kingdom, particularly in England. The surname has also spread to other European countries, such as Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Spain, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, and Russia.
In Latin America, the Whitaker surname can be found in countries such as Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. In the Caribbean, it is present in the Cayman Islands, Virgin Islands, and Guadeloupe.
In Africa, the Whitaker surname has a presence in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Egypt. In the Middle East, it can be found in countries like the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Lebanon.
In Asia, the Whitaker surname is found in countries such as the Philippines, Singapore, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Cambodia, and Malaysia. In Oceania, it can be found in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Marshall Islands, and Guam.
There have been several notable individuals throughout history with the Whitaker surname. One of the most famous is Forest Whitaker, an American actor, producer, and director known for his roles in films such as 'The Last King of Scotland' and 'Bird.' Another notable figure is Sir William Whitaker, an English lexicographer and creator of the Whitaker's Words Latin dictionary.
Overall, the Whitaker surname has a fascinating history and has spread far and wide across the globe. Its origins as an occupational surname related to the textile industry and its prevalence in various countries make it a surname of interest to genealogists and historians alike.
Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same happens when it comes to Whitaker, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated that it's a surname which can be present in all of the nations associated with the world. Just as you can find countries by which truly the density of men and women with the surname Whitaker is greater than far away.
The likelihood of examining for a world map about which countries hold more Whitaker in the world, assists us a great deal. By placing ourselves regarding the map, on a concrete nation, we are able to see the concrete amount of people aided by the surname Whitaker, to have in this way the complete information of the many Whitaker that you can currently get in that nation. All of this additionally helps us to comprehend not just where the surname Whitaker originates from, but also in excatly what way individuals who are originally part of the family that bears the surname Whitaker have relocated and relocated. In the same way, it is possible to see in which places they've settled and grown up, which explains why if Whitaker is our surname, this indicates interesting to which other nations regarding the globe it's possible this 1 of our ancestors once moved to.
Whitaker Surname
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