Find out how popular the last name Wheler is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Wheler.

Wheler, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Wheler surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wheler in America

Wheler is the 118853rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wheler surname appeared 146 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Wheler.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wheler to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Wheler

The surname Wheler originates from England and can be traced back to the medieval period. This surname is considered a variant of the more commonly known Wheeler, which itself dates back to the early development of surnames in Middle English around the 13th century.

The name derives from the Old English word "hweogol" or "hweol," which means "wheel." This indicates an occupational surname, likely given to individuals who made or repaired wheels. This profession was vital in times when wheeled transportation was crucial for both commerce and agriculture.

Historical references for Wheler can be found in various medieval records. One notable example is the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists many early English surnames. However, it is more common to find the variant Wheeler in such ancient documentation. Records and manuscripts from the 13th and 14th centuries show the usage of both surnames, often interchangeably.

The earliest recorded example of Wheler as a surname appears in 1221, with a record of one John le Wheler in the Assize Rolls of Warwickshire. This suggests that the surname was already in use during the early 13th century, and specific references to "le Wheeler," "le Whelere," or "le Wheler" appear in court rolls and tax records of that period.

Several historical figures bore the surname Wheler. One notable individual is Sir George Wheler, an English clergyman and travel writer, born in 1651 and died in 1724. Sir George was known for his extensive travels to the Levant and for his work "A Journey into Greece," which contributed significantly to the understanding of classical Greek antiquities.

Another prominent figure is Francis Wheler, an English naval officer who served under King William III. Born in 1656, he had a notable career, including his participation in the Battle of Bantry Bay. He died in 1694 during a naval expedition.

Yet another significant person with this surname is Mary Wheler, a philanthropist from the late 18th century. Born in 1748, she was widely known for her charitable work and extensive support for various societies in London. She passed away in 1811.

Richard Wheler, a 15th-century merchant from Worcestershire, was another noteworthy individual. Born in 1425, his trading activities and civic responsibilities left a mark on the local economy. He died in 1490, leaving behind a legacy of commercial success.

Lastly, Thomas Wheler, a landowner from the late medieval period, significantly contributed to the local governance of Herefordshire. His birth in 1385 and death in 1452 was during a time when the structure of local government was undergoing significant changes, and he played a role in these transitions.

The surname Wheler, through its various historical references and notable figures, provides a rich tapestry that reflects the economic and social developments of England from medieval times to the modern era.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wheler

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Wheler.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Wheler was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Wheler has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Wheler was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wheler, please contact us.

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