Witney
A habitational surname derived from the town of Witney in Oxfordshire, England.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 206 Americans carry the last name Witney. That puts it at #96,799 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 0.06 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 1,663,856 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Witney surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
206
1 in 1,663,856
Census rank
#96,799
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
0.1
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
188
very rare in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 188 bearers of the surname Witney in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 96799th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Witney, the largest self-reported group is White at 89.9%. The next largest groups are Black (4.8%) and Two or More Races (2.7%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Witney
The surname Witney has its origins in England, dating back to the Middle Ages. The name is toponymic, meaning it is derived from a place name, specifically the town of Witney in Oxfordshire. The name of the town itself comes from Old English roots, combining "wic," meaning a settlement or dwelling, and "ney," meaning an island or land between rivers, possibly referring to the area of Witney situated between the River Windrush and its tributaries.
Historically, the name Witney is mentioned in various ancient records. A significant reference is found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where the town of Witney is listed as "Witenie." This earliest record illustrates the town's importance and the name's antiquity. By the 12th century, the town of Witney became well known for its flourishing wool trade, which likely contributed to the spread and adoption of the surname by individuals associated with the area.
One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the surname Witney is Robert de Witney, documented in the early 13th century. This suggests the surname had already become established as a family name by this time. Another early reference to the surname is found in the 1273 Hundred Rolls, where a John de Witney is listed, signifying the continued presence and usage of the name.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have carried the surname Witney. One example is Richard Witney, born in 1580, who made significant contributions to the wool industry in Oxfordshire. His involvement helped to sustain the town's economy during a critical period in its history. In the 17th century, Anne Witney, born in 1635, became known for her philanthropic work in her community, establishing schools and almshouses in Witney.
In more recent centuries, the Witney surname is associated with figures like Charles Witney, an 18th-century clergyman known for his theological writings. Charles was born in 1745 and served as the rector of St. Mary's Church in Witney. Additionally, Sarah Witney, an artist born in 1801, gained recognition for her contributions to landscape painting and her depictions of the Oxfordshire countryside.
The Witney surname's rich history is deeply rooted in its geographic origins and the notable individuals who have carried it over centuries. Each generation has contributed to maintaining and enhancing the legacy of the Witney name, linking it indelibly to the Oxfordshire town from which it sprung.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Witney
Among Census respondents with the surname Witney, the largest self-reported group is White at 89.9%. The next largest groups are Black (4.8%) and Two or More Races (2.7%).
The bar chart below shows how Witney bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Witney surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White89.9%
- Black or African American4.8%
- Two or more races2.7%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Witney surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #96,799 | #96,799 | 0.0% |
| Count | 188 | 188 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 0.06 | 0.06 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Witney bearers went from 188 to 188 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #96,799 to #96,799.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Witney
FAQ
Witney surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Witney?
The surname Witney holds position #96,799 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 206 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 0.06 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Witney surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Witney, the largest self-reported group is White at 89.9%. The next largest groups are Black (4.8%) and Two or More Races (2.7%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.