Origin and Meaning of Whitfield

Meaning & Origin

White field or clearing

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English elements 'hwita', meaning 'white', and 'feld', meaning 'field' or 'open land'.

Interesting Facts

  • Whitfield is a surname and a relatively rare given name, particularly in English-speaking countries.
  • The name is often associated with geographical locations in England, indicating places characterized by light-colored fields or clearings.
  • Notable bearers include WhitfieldDiffie, an American cryptographer known for his work in public-key cryptography.
  • Whitfield has seen fluctuating popularity as a given name, often peaking in interest when associated with notable individuals or cultural references.
  • Variations of the name include Whitfield (as a surname), Whit, and Field, though the latter two are typically used differently.