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

Whitehawk, 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 Whitehawk surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Whitehawk in America

Whitehawk is the 95115th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Whitehawk surname appeared 192 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 Whitehawk.

We can also compare 2010 data for Whitehawk 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 Whitehawk

The surname Whitehawk traces its origins to England, with the earliest possible records suggesting it emerged in the medieval period, around the 12th to 13th centuries. The name likely derives from an old English combination of the words "hwita," meaning white, and "hafoc," which translates to hawk. The conjoining of these two elements could reference a family associated with falconry or the presence of a notable white hawk in their region.

Geographically, the earliest mentions of the name Whitehawk are connected to the south of England, particularly around Sussex and Kent. Historical records and place names in these areas provide insights into the surname’s lineage and use. Whitehawk itself is linked to a geographical location near Brighton in Sussex, known for its prehistoric earthworks—a settlement where the name may have originated or been adopted.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname is in the Sussex county rolls from the late 13th century, specifically around 1290, mentioning a John Whitehawk. His name appears in tax records, indicating the significance of the family within the local economy and society.

Another notable early instance is found in the subsidy rolls of Kent from 1327, listing a Roger Whitehawk. This document shows the gradual spread of the surname from its Sussex origins to the neighboring county of Kent, reflecting the migratory patterns for work or marriage during that era.

In terms of historical manuscript references, a significant mention of the Whitehawk name appears in the church records of All Saints Church in Lewes, Sussex. A christening in 1423 documents a Henry Whitehawk, suggesting the family's continued presence and status in the region over centuries.

Fast forward to the 16th century, the name appears again in significant historical documentation. Richard Whitehawk, born in 1510, is recorded in the wills and probate documents of Sussex. His will, dated 1570, provides insights into the family's wealth and holdings at the time, marking the Whitehawk name as synonymous with landed gentry status.

Moving to the 17th century, another prominent figure is Thomas Whitehawk, born in 1625. Thomas becomes noteworthy through his involvement in the English Civil War. Historical military records from that period list him as a captain in the Parliamentarian forces, highlighting the family's involvement in national affairs.

Lastly, Eleanor Whitehawk, born in 1670, contributes to the surname's significance as one of the early attendees of the court of King William III. Her marriage into the lesser nobility and subsequent patronage of the arts solidifies the Whitehawk name among England's notable family lineages during the late 17th century.

The evolution of the surname Whitehawk across these centuries reflects a rich tapestry of social mobility, regional influence, and historical significance within English society. Through meticulous tracing of records, one sees the surname's transformation from its origins in medieval Sussex to various significant roles in broader English history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Whitehawk

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

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

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

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