All about the name
Whit
Male
« Whit is an English name derived from the Old English word "hwit," meaning "white." It was traditionally used as a nickname for people with fair hair or complexion, and can also be a short form of Whitney or Whitfield. Popular in the Middle Ages and Victorian era, it's now unisex but remains uncommon today. »
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Meaning, origin, history
Whit is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English word "hwit," which means "white." It was often used as a nickname for people with fair hair or complexion. In some cases, Whit can also be a short form of the given names Whitney or Whitfield.
The name Whit has been in use since the Middle Ages and was particularly popular during the Victorian era. It was traditionally used as a boy's name but can now be used for both boys and girls. Some famous people with the name Whit include American actress Whitteney White (b. 1987) and British musician Whitworth "Whit"stable, who played keyboards for the band The Specials in the late 1970s.
Despite its historic usage, Whit remains relatively uncommon today, making it a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child. Its association with the color white may also make it appealing to those interested in names with symbolic or metaphorical meanings related to purity, lightness, or simplicity. Overall, Whit is an interesting and unusual name with a rich history that stretches back centuries.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Whit since 1880
Total births
1,137
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
57 births
in 2023
57
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+130%
↗
vs previous 5 years