Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Whitley

      Origin 
      English

      Meaning 
      From the White Field

      Variations 
      Whitney, Shirley, Westley

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Whitley originates from the English language and is derived from the phrase From the White Field. It is a name that denoted individuals who resided near or owned land in a white field referring to a field with light-colored or pale soil. This name, like many English names, has ancient roots and is intricately connected to the historical geography and land ownership of the region.

      Throughout history, the name Whitley has appeared in various records, reflecting its usage in different contexts. It can be found in medieval documents, such as land deeds and tax records, indicating that individuals bearing the name were landowners or tenants. The usage of the name evolved through time, with variations such as Whitlee or Whitleigh emerging, but its fundamental meaning remained intact.

      In modern-day usage, the name Whitley continues to be employed as both a name and a given name. It is primarily used in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom. As a name, it is often traced back through genealogical research to determine family histories and ancestral connections. Moreover, as a given name, Whitley is sometimes chosen to honor family heritage or simply for its melodic and unique sound. The name Whitley possesses historical significance and remains a part of contemporary nomenclature, serving as a testament to the enduring influence of ancestry and language.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname associated with Whitley.
      Smith

      is the most common surname for Whitley.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1906 is when there were the most people born with the first name Whitley.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.