Whitaker Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Whitaker originates from Old English, combining elements that signify 'white place' or 'dweller at the white settlement'. Its evolution includes forms like Hwita and Witaker. The name has historical roots and has maintained a sense of tradition, with no biblical relevance. In modern times, it is perceived positively, associated with notable figures across various fields.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Whitaker"
Pronunciation
/ˈwɪtəkər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Whitaker derives from the Old English elements 'hwita', meaning 'white', and 'cerc', meaning 'a place or settlement'. Therefore, it can be interpreted to mean 'white place' or 'dweller at the white settlement'.
Meaning
white place, settlement
Language Evolution
Hwita + cerc (Old English), Witaker (Middle English), Whitaker (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Whitaker gained popularity in England during the medieval period as a surname and was later adopted as a given name. Its use has persisted, particularly in the English-speaking world.
Variants & Derivatives
Witaker, Whittaker, Whit, Wit
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Whitaker is viewed as a traditional yet timeless name. It evokes a sense of heritage and has a respectable image, often associated with strength and reliability.
Famous People
Whitaker Chambers - American writer and former communist spy, Forest Whitaker - Academy Award-winning American actor and director, David Whitaker - British composer and writer
📊 Whitaker Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Whitaker Name Visualizations
✨ Whitaker Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 64 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 9 US states, with strongest presence in North Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Whitaker" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Whitaker". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Whitaker" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Whitaker"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Whitaker"
"Whitaker" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7552nd of 7552 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12589th of 16616 | 16 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6205th of 24088 | 189 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2675th of 23106 | 571 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 25294th of 30306 | 11 |
Regional Popularity of "Whitaker" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
54.75% 4004th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
79.99% 3187th/3984 |
83.98% 3768th/4487 |
39.67% 2706th/6822 |
75.38% 4731st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Whitaker" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Whitaker"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Whitaker" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Whitaker" in the United States
The name Whitaker is most popular in North Carolina, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Whitaker has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Whitaker' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12589th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6205th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2675th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 25294th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Whitaker' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.