Meaning, origin, history
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.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Whitne since 1880
Total births
5
Total since 1880
Peak year
1986
5 births
in 1986
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years