Whitbourn Family History

from Whitbourne (Herefs) or from some other minor place named as ‘the white stream’ (Old English hwīt + burna). Some of the post-medieval bearers below may belong under (2) or (3).

perhaps from Whitburn (Durham) which is recorded as Witeburne in 1243, Wyteberne in 1292, and Whittebarn' in 1439. The place-name derives from Old English hwīt ‘white’ + bern ‘barn’.

However, it is possible that the early bearer belongs under (1). possibly meaning ‘fair child’ from Middle English whit barne though it is possible that the early bearers below belong under (2).