Surname Whitlach - Meaning and Origin
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Whitlach: What does the surname Whitlach mean?
The surname Whitlach is of English origin, coming from the Old English words 'hwit' and 'lacc', meaning 'white lake'. The name was originally given to someone who lived near a white-bottomed lake, an area that was particularly striking in comparison with the surrounding landscape.
In medieval England, Whitlach was a topographic name, referencing a specific location. It is thought to have first been noted in the 12th century, and appears to have originated in the Oxfordshire and Northamptonshire areas. Since then, it has been a surname passed down through generations of families living in the same area.
Variations of the Whitlach surname exist around the world, and include Whitlock, Whitloch, Whitlock, and Whitlack, as well as others. Each variation indicates the potential for different branches of the same family, with slight variations in spelling reflecting changes in linguistics with the passing of time.
Today, Whitlach is a common name, particularly in the UK, and is often associated with prestige. It is usually seen as an indication of an old and established family, suggesting they once lived near a white lake, or had a long association with the land. The name also has a strong association with the rural areas of England, helping to connect Whitlach families (and their descendants) to their local history.
Order DNA origin analysisWhitlach: Where does the name Whitlach come from?
The surname Whitlach is most often found today in and around Pennsylvania. It first appeared in the United States during the 1700s, when a small group of German immigrants from the area of Nordheim, Germany settled in Berks County, Pennsylvania. This family primarily came from the area around the town of Heilbronn.
Since their initial settlement, the Whitlach surname has become widely distributed throughout the United States. Currently, the states with the highest concentration of individuals bearing the Whitlach name are Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, Texas and Florida.
It is believed that the Whitlach line has expanded to include other variations such as Whitlock, Whitlick, Whitlock and Whitehead. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that the Whitlach family spread beyond the borders of Pennsylvania, moving into Maryland, New Jersey and even California.
Today, the Whitlach name is still found mainly in Pennsylvania. Although the descendants of the original immigrants may have spread throughout the United States, the home of the Whitlach family name still sits in the heart of America's east coast.
Variations of the surname Whitlach
Whitlach is a surname of English origin with a variety of variants and alternate spellings. First and foremost, the most common variant of this surname is "Whitlock". This spelling can also be isolated to "Witlock", "Witlach" and "Witloch". Additionally, like many surnames, the letter "h" can be varied - "Whitloch" is commonly found, as is "Whitlockh".
Also relatively common is the form "Whiteleach", which can also appear as "Whitelache", "Witleach" and "Whitlache". This variant likely originates from the "White" spelling of the name, indicating a native or resident of Whiteleach, England.
Finally, the original spelling of the surname can be isolated even further, with "Whytlac" and "Whytlack" encountered from time to time.
Overall, the surname Whitlach can be found with a variety of spellings and variants, all of which indicate the same general ancestral origin. Regardless of the spelling, all variants of this surname likely originate from Whiteleach and its surrounding area in England.
Famous people with the name Whitlach
- Makenzie Whitlach: American actress who has appeared in Stranger Things, A Bad Moms Christmas, and The Voice.
- Rebekah Whitlach: British actress known for her roles in TV series like The Windsors and Doctors.
- Jake Whitlach: Canadian actor who has appeared in films like 'Togo' and 'Race to The Edge'.
- Anne Whitlach: American actress featured in TV series like Glee, Black-ish, and Jane The Virgin.
- Abigail Whitlach: British actress who starred in the BBC drama Our Girl.
- Nicholas Whitlach: Australian actor who has had roles in films like 'Truth or Dare' and 'Jigsaw'.
- Kelly Whitlach: Canadian actress who appeared in films such as 'Mother's Day' and 'The Secrets We Keep'.
- Jeff Whitlach: American actor best known for his role as young Grinch in the Jim Carrey adaptation of 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas'.
- Cara Whitlach: Emmy-winning British actress who has starred in shows such as 'Call The Midwife' and 'Broadchurch'.
- Eddie Whitlach: American actor who appeared in shows like 'Days of Our Lives' and 'Scrubs'.