NameCensus.

UK surname

Whittlesey

A locational surname for someone hailing from one of the places called Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire or Suffolk, England.

In the 1881 census there were 73 people recorded with the Whittlesey surname, ranking it #23,220 among surnames in the records. By 2016, the modern count was 66, ranked #33,948, down from #23,220 in 1881.

The strongest historical links point to No data. In the modern distribution records, the strongest local clusters include Wealden, Solihull and Fenland.

Across the surname records, the highest recorded count for Whittlesey is 103 in 1998. Compared with 1881, the name has fallen by 9.6%.

1881 census count

73

Ranked #23,220

Modern count

66

2016, ranked #33,948

Peak year

1998

103 bearers

Map years

1

1998 to 1998

Key insights

  • Whittlesey had 73 recorded bearers in 1881, making it the #23,220 surname in that year.
  • The latest modern count shown here is 66 in 2016, ranked #33,948.
  • Within the historical census years, the highest count was 91 in 1891.
  • The contemporary neighbourhood profile most associated with the surname is Established Multi-Ethnic Communities.

Whittlesey surname distribution map

The map shows where the Whittlesey surname is concentrated in each census or modern distribution year. Darker areas mean a stronger local concentration.

Distribution map

Whittlesey surname density by area, 1998 modern.

Loading map
Lower densityMedium densityHigh density

Timeline

Back to top

Whittlesey over time

The table below tracks recorded surname counts and rank from the 19th-century census years through the modern adult-register period.

Year Period Count Rank
1851 historical 60 #22,584
1861 historical 54 #27,127
1881 historical 73 #23,220
1891 historical 91 #25,239
1901 historical 79 #25,363
1911 historical 85 #24,322
1997 modern 99 #27,039
1998 modern 103 #27,141
1999 modern 99 #27,906
2000 modern 99 #27,845
2001 modern 89 #28,932
2002 modern 83 #30,070
2003 modern 83 #30,088
2004 modern 79 #30,799
2005 modern 76 #31,267
2006 modern 75 #31,733
2007 modern 79 #31,628
2008 modern 72 #32,656
2009 modern 71 #33,102
2010 modern 73 #33,249
2011 modern 67 #33,704
2012 modern 74 #33,348
2013 modern 63 #34,193
2014 modern 67 #33,959
2015 modern 67 #33,911
2016 modern 66 #33,948

Geography

Back to top

Where Whittleseys are most common

Historical parish links are strongest around No data. These are the places where the surname stands out most clearly in the older records.

The modern local-area list points to Wealden, Solihull, Fenland and Test Valley. Treat these as concentration signals, not proof that every family line began there.

Some modern areas include a three-digit suffix, such as Leeds 110. The suffix is a small-area code, so it stays in the table while the prose uses the plain place name.

Top historical parishes

Rank Parish Area
1 No data No data

Top modern areas

Rank Area District
1 Wealden 020 Wealden
2 Solihull 025 Solihull
3 Fenland 009 Fenland
4 Test Valley 012 Test Valley
5 Fenland 004 Fenland

Forenames

Back to top

First names often paired with Whittlesey

These lists show first names that appear often with the Whittlesey surname in historical and recent records.

Modern profile

Back to top

Neighbourhood profile for Whittlesey

Modern surname records can be compared with neighbourhood classifications. For Whittlesey, this points to the kinds of places where the surname is most concentrated today.

These neighbourhood labels describe areas, not individual people. They are useful because surnames often cluster through family history, migration, housing patterns and local work. A surname can be strongest in one type of neighbourhood even when people with that name live across the country.

The UK classification gives the national picture. The London classification is more specific to the capital, where housing, age profile, tenure and population mix can look quite different from the rest of the UK.

UK neighbourhood type

UK Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities

Group

Established Multi-Ethnic Communities

Nationally, the Whittlesey surname is most associated with neighbourhoods classed as Established Multi-Ethnic Communities, within Low-Skilled Migrant and Student Communities. This does not mean every Whittlesey household fits that profile, but it gives a useful signal about where the modern surname distribution is strongest.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Parents and young children in this Group are drawn from diverse ethnic backgrounds in broadly similar proportions. Employment is typically in elementary occupations, though workers in professional, intermediate or skilled trades occupations are also present. The residential landscape is dominated by terraced housing, although semi-detached houses and flats are also present. This Group is found in London and in many provincial towns and cities throughout the U.K.

Wider pattern

Young adults, many of whom are students, predominate in these high-density and overcrowded neighbourhoods of rented terrace houses or flats. Most ethnic minorities are present in these communities, as are people born in European countries that are not part of the EU. Students aside, low skilled occupations predominate, and unemployment rates are above average. Overall, the mix of students and more sedentary households means that neighbourhood average numbers of children are not very high. The Mixed or Multiple ethnic group composition of neighbourhoods is often associated with low rates of affiliation to Christian religions. This Supergroup predominates in non-central urban locations the UK, particularly within England in the Midlands and the outskirts of west, south and north-east London.

London neighbourhood type

London Output Area Classification

Supergroup

Young Families and Mainstream Employment

Group

Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins

Within London, Whittlesey is most associated with areas classed as Social Rented Sector and Diverse Origins, part of Young Families and Mainstream Employment. This gives the surname a London-specific profile rather than forcing the capital into the same pattern as the rest of the country.

Read profile summary

Group profile

Scattered across London’s Inner and Outer suburbs, residents of these neighbourhoods are typically housed in the social rented sector. Although terraced and semi-detached houses predominate, more residents live in flats than elsewhere in the Supergroup. Neighbourhoods are more ethnically diverse than the Supergroup average. Those identifying as of Bangladeshi, Pakistani and some Black ethnicities are more prevalent. Europeans born in a overseas non-EU countries make up more of the lower proportion of residents identifying as White. Few residents are very old (85+). Employment in distribution, hotels and restaurants is more common than elsewhere in the Supergroup.

Wider London pattern

Many families in these neighbourhoods have young children. Housing is principally in the social rented sector, in terraced or semi-detached units. While over-all residential densities are low, overcrowding is also prevalent locally. Residents are drawn from a range of ethnic minorities, with many identifying as Black and above average numbers born in Africa. Numbers identifying as of Chinese, Indian or White ethnicity are below average. Levels of proficiency in English are below average. Levels of separation or divorce and incidence of disability are both above average. Education is typically limited to Level 1, 2, or apprenticeship qualifications. Few residents work in professional or managerial occupations but the employment structure is otherwise diverse: it includes skilled trades, caring, leisure and other service occupations, sales and customer service occupations, construction, and work as process, plant, and machine operatives.

Healthy neighbourhoods

Access to healthy assets and hazards

Whittlesey is most concentrated in decile 4 for access to healthy assets and hazards. This places the surname near the middle of the scale.

Lower deciles point towards weaker access to healthy assets or stronger exposure to local hazards. Higher deciles point towards stronger access and fewer hazards.

4
Lower access Higher access

Neighbourhood deprivation

Index of Multiple Deprivation

Whittlesey falls in decile 5 for neighbourhood deprivation. This puts the surname near the middle of the scale.

Decile 1 represents the more deprived end of the scale. Decile 10 represents the less deprived end.

5
More deprived Less deprived

Broadband speed

Fixed broadband download speed

The modern neighbourhood pattern for Whittlesey is most associated with a typical fixed broadband download band of 30-40 mbit/s.

The scale below places that band in context, from slower local download bands through to faster ones.

6
Slower band Faster band

Area snapshot

Ethnic group estimate

Most common ethnic group estimate
White - British

This describes the area pattern most associated with Whittlesey, not the ethnicity of every person with the surname.

Meaning and origin of Whittlesey

The surname Whittlesey originates from England, specifically the region of Cambridgeshire. The name is derived from the place name Whittlesey, a town in the Fenland district of Cambridgeshire. The town's name has historical roots and originates from the Old English words "Hwita," a personal name, and "eg," meaning "island" or "river meadow." This indicates that Whittlesey was likely named after a person named Hwita who lived in or owned the land.

The earliest recorded references to the name Whittlesey appear in medieval documents, with the town itself being mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as "Witesie." Over time, this evolved into the modern spelling, Whittlesey. Historical records show that the name has been consistently used since at least the 12th century, indicating a long-standing presence in the region.

One of the earliest individuals bearing the surname Whittlesey is John de Whittlesey, who appears in records from 1327 in Cambridgeshire. His presence highlights the linkage between the land and the family name, with "de" denoting "of" Whittlesey, signifying a connection to the place.

Reverend Joseph Whittlesey (1695–1761) is another notable bearer of the surname. He served as a prominent Congregationalist minister in New Haven, Connecticut, after emigrating from England to America. His contributions to religious life in the colonies were significant during the 18th century.

Sarah Whittlesey (1824–1896), an American poet and novelist, added literary prominence to the Whittlesey name. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, she published numerous works, including poetry and novels that were well-received during her time.

Elisha Whittlesey (1783–1863) was a prominent US congressman and auditor from Ohio. His political career and public service were notable in the early 19th century, leaving a lasting impact on his community and state.

Charles Whittlesey (1884–1921) was an American soldier best known for his heroism during World War I. As the commander of the "Lost Battalion," his leadership and bravery became widely celebrated, marking an important chapter in military history.

Throughout history, the Whittlesey surname has maintained its strong connection to its geographical roots in Cambridgeshire while spreading across the Atlantic to find prominence in the United States. The name's evolution from "Witesie" to Whittlesey reflects the broader patterns of linguistic and orthographic transformation over centuries. The surname has been carried by individuals of significant cultural, religious, and political influence, ensuring its place in history.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

1881 census detail

Back to top

Whittlesey families in the 1881 census

These tables use 1881 census entries for people recorded with the Whittlesey surname. Use the location tables for concentration, then the name and occupation tables for the people behind the surname.

Top counties

Total is the county count. Frequency and index adjust for local population size, so they are better concentration signals. Cambridgeshire leads with 30 Whittleseys recorded in 1881 and an index of 66.53x.

County Total Index
Cambridgeshire 30 66.53x
Middlesex 28 3.93x
Nottinghamshire 10 10.42x
Huntingdonshire 4 28.29x
Hampshire 1 0.69x

Top districts and towns

Districts give a more local view than counties. Total shows raw records, while frequency and index show local concentration. Willingham in Cambridgeshire leads with 15 Whittleseys recorded in 1881 and an index of 3846.15x.

Place Total Index
Willingham 15 3846.15x
Kensington London 14 35.37x
March 12 794.70x
Nottingham St Mary 10 40.29x
Shoreditch London 6 19.44x
St Marylebone London 5 13.15x
St Ives 4 547.95x
Cottenham 2 333.33x
Hampstead London 2 18.03x
Aldershot 1 20.45x
Great Shelford 1 416.67x
Islington London 1 1.45x

Top female names

These are the female first names most often recorded with the Whittlesey surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
Elizabeth 5
Emma 3
Martha 3
Mary 3
Sarah 3
Harriett 2
Jane 2
Ada 1
Annie 1
Avery 1
Betty 1
Blanch 1
Ellen 1
Flora 1
Florence 1
Marion 1
Olive 1
Priscilla 1
Rebecca 1
Susan 1
Violet 1

Top male names

These are the male first names most often recorded with the Whittlesey surname in 1881. Names are not merged, so initials, variant spellings and transcription quirks can appear as separate rows.

Name Count
William 7
Joseph 4
Robert 4
Charles 3
Alfred 2
Harry 2
James 2
John 2
Thomas 2
Arthur 1
Francis 1
Fredrick 1
Jesse 1
Meruard 1
Oliver 1
Reuben 1
Weoille 1
Willie 1
Wm. 1

Top occupations

Occupational titles are kept as recorded and later transcribed, so related jobs, spelling variants and mistakes stay separate. Scholar was the census term for a child in education. That means the other rows often tell you more about adult work in Whittlesey households.

FAQ

Whittlesey surname: questions and answers

How common was the Whittlesey surname in 1881?

In 1881, 73 people were recorded with the Whittlesey surname. That placed it at #23,220 in the surname rankings for that year.

How common is the Whittlesey surname today?

The latest modern count shown here is 66 in 2016. That gives Whittlesey a modern rank of #33,948.

What does the Whittlesey surname mean?

A locational surname for someone hailing from one of the places called Whittlesey in Cambridgeshire or Suffolk, England.

What does the Whittlesey map show?

The map shows local surname concentration for the selected year. Darker areas have a stronger concentration of Whittlesey bearers relative to the surrounding population.

What records is this surname page based on?

The historical counts come from census surname records. The modern counts and neighbourhood summaries come from later surname distribution records. Counts are recorded bearers in those records, not a live estimate of everyone with the name today.