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

Whren, 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 Whren surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Whren in America

Whren is the 146201st most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Whren surname appeared 113 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 Whren.

The history of the last name Whren

The surname Whren finds its origins in England, likely during the medieval period or shortly thereafter. It is an uncommon surname with roots in Old English, potentially linked to simpler forms like "Wren," referencing the small bird known for its distinctive song. Given the patterns of surname development in medieval England, it is also plausible that the name arose in rural areas where surnames frequently derived from the natural world.

One of the earliest known appearances of a similar name in historical records is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, which mentions the name Wren as an entry, suggesting that the name (or a variant of it) was already in use during the 11th century. This reference indicates that the surname has been present in England for nearly a millennium, evolving in its spelling and pronunciation over the centuries.

The surname Whren could also be linked to certain geographic locations in England. Place names such as Wreningham in Norfolk and Wrenbury in Cheshire might share etymological roots with the surname, suggesting a geographic or occupational origin. The connection to the bird and thus potentially to someone who lived near a prominent gathering of wrens or who exhibited the characteristics associated with the bird could also be a factor in the naming.

Historical references to the surname Whren are relatively scarce, but there are notable early records worth mentioning. For example, Peter Whren, recorded in 1569 in the parish of St. Margaret’s, Westminster, is an early documented individual with this surname. Another notable mention is John Whren, born in 1602, an inhabitant of London during the early 17th century. The surname appears in parish registers and other civil documents of the period, highlighting the gradual dispersal and establishment of the name within English society.

A more prominent bearer of a similar surname, although with a different spelling, is Sir Christopher Wren (1632-1723), the renowned architect who rebuilt St. Paul's Cathedral after the Great Fire of London. While the spelling differs, it illustrates the name's potential prominence and variations over time.

George Whren, born around 1780, is another example, appearing in ecclesiastical records in northern England. His life recorded in baptism and marriage registers provides a glimpse into the continuing presence of the name through the 18th century.

Into the 19th century, Thomas Whren (1812-1885) appears in trade directories, indicating his involvement in local commerce, possibly as a merchant or tradesman. This era saw numerous Whrens moving and possibly emigrating, reflecting the broader migratory and economic patterns of the time.

In summary, the surname Whren, while relatively rare, has deep roots in English history. Its connections to early references, geographic locations, and notable individuals over several centuries showcase the rich etymological and historical tapestry from which this surname has evolved.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Whren

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

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 Whren 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.

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

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

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