Whitman
Whitman is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
White man, fair-haired man, or white-complexioned person.
Origin and history
Whitman originated as an English surname derived from Old English roots meaning white or fair man. Historically associated with American poet Walt Whitman, it has seen modest use as a given name in the United States. In recent years, it remains a rare but distinct choice for parents seeking a traditional occupational or surname-style given name.
Popularity in the United States
901 babies in the United States have been named Whitman since 1880. It ranks #3777 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1760.
States where it is most popular
- AL (44.4 %)
- NC (27.8 %)
- TX (27.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 5 |
| 1910-1920 | 47 |
| 1920-1930 | 36 |
| 1930-1940 | 19 |
| 1940-1950 | 22 |
| 1950-1960 | 19 |
| 1960-1970 | 18 |
| 1970-1980 | 6 |
| 1980-1990 | 33 |
| 1990-2000 | 66 |
| 2000-2010 | 155 |
| 2010-2019 | 308 |
| 2020-2029 | 167 |
Fun facts
- While Whitman is a given name, it strongly evokes the legacy of influential 19th-century American poet Walt Whitman.
- The name comes from the Old English elements 'hwit' (white or fair) and 'mann' (man).