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

Withey, 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 Withey surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Withey in America

Withey is the 21672nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Withey surname appeared 1,202 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 Withey.

We can also compare 2010 data for Withey 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 Withey

The surname Withey has its origins in England, with historical roots tracing back to the medieval period. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English term "wīðig," which means "withy" or "willow tree." This suggests that the name likely referred to someone who lived near a willow grove or was associated with areas where willow trees were prominent.

The earliest recorded instances of the Withey surname can be found in historical documents dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. For example, a reference to one Richard Wythye appears in the Subsidy Rolls of Worcestershire in 1327. These rolls were tax records that documented the individuals who were taxed, providing a comprehensive record of many surnames of the period. The spelling variations such as Wytie, Wythy, and Withye are noted in various medieval texts, indicating the name's evolution over time.

Records from the 15th century further reveal the presence of the surname in parish registers and legal documents. In 1445, John Wythye is recorded in the Close Rolls, which were administrative records kept by the Chancery in medieval England. This surname is also found in the wills and inventories of the period, reflecting its usage among both commoners and those of some social standing.

Thomas Withey (1610-1685) emerged as a notable historical figure with this surname. Thomas was a merchant and alderman in London, known for his involvement in the city's trade guilds and municipal affairs. He was a benefactor to various charitable causes and left a mark as a respected member of the community during the early Stuart period.

In the 17th century, the Withey name also appeared in connection with early American settlers. John Withey, born in England in 1624, emigrated to New England around 1650 and settled in Massachusetts. His descendants played an integral role in the development of the New England colonies, contributing to the expansion of early American society.

Another prominent individual was Reverend Samuel Withey (1690-1760), an Anglican clergyman known for his theological contributions and pastoral work in rural England. Samuel's writings and sermons were well-regarded, and he served as a parish priest in several counties, helping to strengthen the local church community.

The Withey name is tied to place names such as Withybrook in Warwickshire, reflecting the geographical spread and establishment of the surname across different regions. Historical land charters and manorial records from the 16th and 17th centuries document the presence of the Withey families in these areas, solidifying their legacy and connection to specific localities.

Reverend William Withey (1803-1883) was another influential figure, serving as a missionary during the 19th century in various British colonies. His work in education and religious instruction had a lasting impact on the communities he served, and his written accounts provide valuable historical insights into the life and times of the era.

Throughout history, the Withey surname has been associated with various occupations, from agriculture to trade and religious service. The presence of Withey families in historical records, such as tax lists, parish registers, and land documents, highlights their contributions to the cultural and social fabric of both England and the early American colonies.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Withey

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

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

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

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