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

Whitewater, 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 Whitewater surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Whitewater in America

Whitewater is the 83834th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Whitewater surname appeared 224 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 Whitewater.

We can also compare 2010 data for Whitewater 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 Whitewater

The surname Whitewater is believed to have originated in England around the medieval period, specifically between the 12th and 14th centuries. This surname is thought to be toponymic, derived from a geographical feature, typically associated with rivers or streams characterized by fast-moving, foamy waters. The name itself is rooted in the Old English words "hwit" meaning "white" and "wæter" meaning "water," describing the clear and foamy appearance of these rapidly flowing streams.

One of the earliest known records of the name Whitewater appears in the 1291 English tax rolls, known as the Subsidy Rolls, where a John de Whitewater is mentioned. The "de" prefix in his name indicates "of," meaning John hailed from a location known for its whitewater. This pattern of using geographic features as surnames was prevalent in medieval England as a way to differentiate individuals based on their place of origin or residence.

Another early reference can be found in the Pipe Rolls of 1230, where a Richard de Hwitewater is documented, showing an older spelling of the name. These records are crucial in showcasing the surname's long history and geographical significance. It's worth noting that variations in spelling were common in these early records, reflecting the lack of standardized English spelling during that period.

In the history of England, several places carried the name Whitewater or similar variations. For example, the Whitewater Valley in Hampshire is known for its fast-moving streams and could be a source of the surname's origin. These place names often evolved, but the connection to natural water features remained a constant element.

Among the notable individuals bearing the surname Whitewater is Thomas Whitewater, an English clergyman who lived in the early 15th century. Though records about him are sparse, he was known to have been a rector in a parish containing prominent waterways, suggesting a familial or geographical connection to his name.

Another figure is Margaret Whitewater, born in 1485 and recorded as a midwife in the royal court during the Tudor era. Her presence in court documents signifies the surname's prominence and usage among different societal strata.

In the 17th century, William Whitewater emerged as a notable tradesman in London, contributing to the burgeoning industrial revolution. He was documented in the 1632 guild records, signifying his involvement in the wool trade, a significant industry in medieval and early modern England.

In colonial America, George Whitewater was among the early settlers in the Virginia colony during the early 1700s. His migration underlines the spread and persistence of the surname in the New World, influenced by England's colonial expansions.

Lastly, in the 19th century, Sarah Whitewater, born in 1822, gained attention for her work as a suffragist in the burgeoning women's rights movement in the United States. Her activism is documented in various historical texts and letters, marking her contribution to social change and the advancement of civil rights.

The surname Whitewater, through its etymological and historical journey, showcases the interplay between geography and identity, reflecting a long-standing tradition of linking individuals to their natural environments. The evolution and appearances of this name in historical records highlight its significance and the continuity of its legacy.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Whitewater

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

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

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

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