Whitney

What does the baby name Whitney mean? Learn about what Whitney means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Whitney - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Whitney
W-H-I-T-N-E-Y, is a 7-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Whitney
WIT-nee
WHIT nee
Meaning of Whitney
White island, from the white island, from a white island.
Origin of Whitney
The name 'Whitney' has English origins and is derived from a place name in England. It is believed to come from the Old English words 'hwit', meaning 'white', and 'ey', meaning 'island' or 'land near water'. The name 'Whitney' originally referred to a place situated near a white island or a body of water.
African American Names
American Names
Anglo Saxon Names
Celebrity Names
English Names
Island Names
Old English Names
Place Names
Surname Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Whitney
Whitnee
Whitnie
Whitny
Whittney
Popularity of Whitney
The name 'Whitney' gained popularity in the United States during the 1980s and 1990s. It reached its peak in popularity in 1987 when it ranked as the 32nd most popular name for girls. However, its popularity has declined in recent years, and it is not as commonly used as it once was.
Whitney currently has 380 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked girl's names. The name Mallory is slightly more popular than Whitney.

Etymology of Whitney

The etymology of 'Whitney' can be traced back to its Old English roots. The word 'hwit' meant 'white' and was often used to describe something pure, bright, or fair. The element 'ey' referred to an island or land near water. Therefore, the name 'Whitney' can be interpreted as meaning 'white island' or 'fair land near water'.

Cultural Significance of Whitney

While 'Whitney' does not hold significant cultural or historical significance, it is a name that has been used by individuals from various backgrounds and cultures. It is primarily associated with English-speaking countries, but it has been adopted by people of different ethnicities and nationalities.