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

Whetter, 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 Whetter surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Whetter in America

Whetter is the 157234th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Whetter surname appeared 103 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 Whetter.

We can also compare 2010 data for Whetter 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 Whetter

The surname Whetter has its origins in England and dates back to the medieval period. It is primarily associated with Cornwall, a region in the southwestern part of the country. The name is derived from the Old English word "hwætt," meaning "active" or "brave," and the suffix "er," which typically denotes an agent noun—someone who performs a particular action or function. The geographical distribution of the surname suggests that it was most commonly found in rural areas where old agrarian traditions persisted longer.

Early records of the name Whetter are sparse but significant. The Whetter surname first appears in the historical documents of the 13th and 14th centuries. For example, a John Whetter is mentioned in the Assize Rolls for Cornwall in 1284, illustrating the surname's early roots in that region. Another early reference includes a mention in the Subsidy Rolls of 1327, where a Robert Whetter is listed as a taxpayer, further establishing the name in Cornish history.

Historical manuscripts provide additional context for the Whetter surname. During the 15th century, a Geoffrey Whetter is documented in the Patent Rolls from the reign of King Henry VI, indicating the family's continued presence and possible influence in the region. Of notable interest is the will of Thomas Whetter, dated 1557, found in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury records. His detailed testament provides insights into the socioeconomic standing of the Whetter family during the Tudor period.

Several notable individuals named Whetter have left their mark on history. One such individual is Edward Whetter, born in 1678, who served as a steward in the prominent estate of a Cornish lord and contributed to local agricultural advancements. Another prominent figure, William Whetter (1850-1920), was a Cornish mining engineer who played a key role in the technological advancements of tin mining during the late 19th century. His contributions were pivotal in reviving Cornwall's mining industry.

In the arts and academia, Constance Whetter (1894-1963) stands out as a pioneer. She was an early 20th-century novelist known for her works that depicted rural Cornish life. Her detailed narratives offer a vivid glimpse into the cultural and social dynamics of the region during her lifetime. Additionally, Frank Whetter (1870-1944), a noted historian, authored several volumes on Cornish history, which remain valuable resources for understanding the region's past.

The Whetter surname, with its deep roots in Cornwall and its historical significance, showcases a fascinating lineage marked by involvement in local agriculture, industry, and the arts. This name serves as a testament to the rich and varied history of the people who bore it, contributing to both regional and broader English heritage across the centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Whetter

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

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 Whetter 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 Whetter 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 Whetter was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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