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

Whiters, 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 Whiters surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Whiters in America

Whiters is the 46404th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Whiters surname appeared 459 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 Whiters.

We can also compare 2010 data for Whiters 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 Whiters

The surname Whiters has its origins in England, dating back to the medieval period. It is believed to have primarily emerged from the southern regions of England, an area known for its varied dialects and linguistic influences. During this time, surnames were often derived from occupations, locations, nicknames, or physical characteristics. The surname Whiters is generally thought to be of descriptive origin.

The name Whiters can be traced back to the Old English word "hwita", meaning "white". This term was often used to describe someone with pale complexion or fair hair, which were prominent physical features distinguishing the individual. Over time, "hwita" evolved into various forms and spellings, including White, Whiters, Whyters, and Whitors. Though the exact etymology is complex, the suffix "ers" might indicate a plural or a possessive form, suggesting a family group or descendants of an individual referred to as White.

Historical references to the surname Whiters are relatively rare but reveal the gradual adoption and transformation of the name. One early instance is found in the court rolls of Sussex in the late 13th century. Documents from the period list a John Whiters as a landholder, giving evidence of the name's presence in official records. This aligns with the usage patterns of surnames at that time, often appearing in property and tax records.

One notable individual bearing the surname is Thomas Whiters, who lived during the late 16th century. Born in 1572, Thomas became a well-known figure in his local parish in Kent for his contributions to agricultural innovations. His prominence in the community marks an important point in the surname's history, showcasing its spread beyond purely descriptive origins.

Another distinguished bearer of the name was Eleanor Whiters, an early 17th-century poet from Devon. Born in 1605, Eleanor gained local fame for her lyrical compositions and patronage of the arts. Historical records indicate that her works were highly regarded during her lifetime, although much of her poetry has not survived to the modern day.

In the 18th century, the name continued to evolve. Richard Whiters, born in 1733 in Norfolk, became an influential merchant and shipowner. His successful trading ventures contributed significantly to the local economy, and records from the period highlight his business acumen and philanthropic efforts. His descendants carried on the family name, further solidifying its presence in England.

The 19th century saw the name Whiters being associated with political activism. Elizabeth Whiters, born in 1812 in Yorkshire, was a fervent advocate for women's suffrage. Her determined efforts were pivotal in the local suffrage movement, making her a notable figure in the fight for gender equality.

Finally, James Whiters, a Victorian-era engineer born in 1845, made substantial contributions to the industrial revolution in England. His innovative designs in machinery improved efficiency in manufacturing processes, earning him recognition and lasting influence.

Throughout history, the surname Whiters has evolved from a descriptive term into a marker of notable achievements across various fields. Although it originated from simple descriptive origins, it carries a legacy of individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Whiters

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

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

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

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