Whitney is a unisex given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "Witney," which refers to the town of Witney in Oxfordshire, England. The name Whitney means "from the wheat meadow" or "white island." Historically, it was used as both a male and female name in medieval England.
The use of Whitney as a given name gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century. In fact, it became quite popular for girls in particular during the 1970s and 1980s. Today, Whitney is still considered a unique and attractive name choice for both boys and girls.
Some famous individuals with the name Whitney include American singer and actress Whitney Houston, former U.S. Secretary of State and First Lady Hillary Clinton (née Rodham), and Australian cricketer Whitney Higgs.
The name Whitney has been a rare choice for babies born in the United States, with only five babies given this name in total over the years. The peak year for this name was 1986, when five girls were named Whitney at birth. However, it is important to note that this name has not gained significant popularity since then and remains quite uncommon among newborns in the country.