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

Whiteplume, 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 Whiteplume surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Whiteplume in America

Whiteplume is the 106570th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Whiteplume surname appeared 167 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 Whiteplume.

We can also compare 2010 data for Whiteplume 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 Whiteplume

The surname Whiteplume is believed to have its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. The name likely has roots in Old English or Middle English, combining the word "white," which could denote purity or brightness, and "plume," derived from the Latin "pluma," meaning feather. This combination suggests a visual or symbolic association, possibly pointing to a family crest or the personal adornment of an ancestor.

The earliest recorded instances of the Whiteplume surname can be traced to the 13th century in England. One of the earliest references appears in a 1260 municipal record from the historic town of Winchester, where a John Whiteplume is mentioned. The name probably evolved from descriptive nicknames or occupational titles related to heraldry or falconry, where white feathers could have signified specific professions or honors.

In the 14th century, there is documentation of a Richard Whiteplume in the court rolls of the manor of Lichfield, dated around 1340. These records indicate that individuals with this surname held positions of minor nobility or were notable landowners. The name continued to appear sporadically in various regions, including a mention in the subsidy rolls of Yorkshire in 1379 listing a William Whiteplume.

By the 15th century, the Whiteplume family had established themselves in various parts of England. A notable figure, Thomas Whiteplume, born in 1425, served as a squire in the household of the Earl of Warwick and participated in the Wars of the Roses. His service is noted in a 1461 document preserving the retinue lists of the Earl's supporters.

The 16th century saw the migration and spread of the Whiteplume surname beyond England. In 1578, Elizabeth Whiteplume from Norfolk married a Dutch merchant and moved to Amsterdam, indicating the beginning of the surname’s presence in continental Europe. By the early 17th century, the name can be found in colonial records in North America, with Captain John Whiteplume recorded as one of the settlers in Jamestown, Virginia, around 1620.

Throughout history, individuals with the surname Whiteplume have appeared in various records, spanning several regions and professions. In the late 17th century, Anne Whiteplume (1649-1697) gained recognition as a midwife and herbalist in the rural communities of Devon. Fast forward to the 18th century, Jonathan Whiteplume, born in 1701, served as a clergyman in Sussex, his sermons and religious tracts reflecting the era's theological developments.

The surname Whiteplume, with its evocative combination of descriptors, has woven a rich tapestry of historical associations and notable individuals across centuries. Whether through heraldic significance or migratory patterns, the name persists as a testament to familial and cultural legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Whiteplume

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

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

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

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