Origin and Meaning of Whitney
Meaning & Origin
White island
Origin: Old English - Derived from the Old English words 'hwita' meaning 'white' and 'ey' meaning 'island'. Originally used as a surname.
Interesting Facts
- Whitney was originally a surname that became popular as a given name in the 20th century, particularly for girls.
- In the UK, Whitney is primarily used as a female given name, while in the United States it gained popularity as a unisex name.
- Notable bearers of the name include Whitney Houston, the renowned American singer and actress, and Whitney Cummings, an American comedian and actress.
- Whitney experienced a surge in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, largely due to the influence of Whitney Houston.
- Variations of the name include Whittney and Wittney, though these are less common.