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

Whyatt, 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 Whyatt surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Whyatt in America

Whyatt is the 152628th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Whyatt surname appeared 107 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 Whyatt.

We can also compare 2010 data for Whyatt 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 Whyatt

The surname Whyatt originates from England, where it emerged during the Middle Ages. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English personal name "Wigheard," which comprises the elements "wig" meaning "war" and "heard" meaning "hardy" or "brave." It was common during medieval times for surnames to be formed from given names, signifying familial lineage or characteristics esteemed by the community.

Recorded examples of the name date back to the 13th century, often with various spellings such as Wiat, Wiatt, Wyat, and Wyatt. One of the earliest mentions is found in the subsidy rolls of Worcestershire in 1275, where a Richard Wiot is listed. Such tax records are essential historical documents as they provide insights into the distribution and prevalence of surnames during that era.

One of the most notable figures bearing this surname was Sir Thomas Wyatt the Elder, an English poet and diplomat born in 1503 and who died in 1542. He is often credited for introducing the sonnet into English literature and was a prominent figure in the court of King Henry VIII. His son, Sir Thomas Wyatt the Younger, born circa 1521 and died in 1554, is remembered for leading Wyatt's Rebellion, a significant uprising during the reign of Queen Mary I.

In legal history, Sir Francis Wyatt stands out as a significant bearer of the surname. Born in 1575 and passing in 1644, he served as the Governor of Virginia in the early 17th century. His leadership was instrumental in navigating the challenges faced by the English colony during its formative years.

The surname Whyatt also finds mention in ecclesiastical records. John Whyatt appears in the Register of the University of Oxford in 1573, marking the presence of the surname in academic and clerical circles. Records like these underscore the varied roles individuals with this surname held across different societal sectors.

Another historical figure of interest is Henry Whyatt, who was known for his military service. He lived during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, demonstrating the surname’s association with martial valor, paralleling its etymological roots.

In summary, the surname Whyatt has a rich and diverse history stretching back to medieval England. Its bearers have been involved in royalty, rebellion, academia, and governance, leaving their mark on various facets of historical development. The diverse spellings and notable individuals illustrate the name's evolving nature and the significant impact of those who carried it.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Whyatt

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

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

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

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