Show ContentsWhatling History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Whatling is a name that came to England in the 11th century wave of migration that was set off by the Norman Conquest of 1066. Whatling comes from the Germanic personal name Walter. The name is composed of the elements wald, meaning rule and heri, meaning army.

Early Origins of the Whatling family

The surname Whatling was first found in Sussex where they were conjecturally descended from the village of Wartling or Whatlington, held at the time of the taking of the Domesday Book survey by William by the Count of Eu 1. The hamlet consisted of 3 salt houses at that time. Although other historians conjecture that it was related to Watling Street, the great Roman Way which winds northward in England to Chester and the north, this seems impractical. Derived from this is also Watlington, "ton" meaning a hamlet. The many other explanations of the origin of this name such as the trade name of 'watling', a form of wall and roof construction of houses in ancient times, can be discounted as too general for such an isolated name. If this were the origin, Watling would be as popular and prolific as Carpenter and many other house building trade surnames. Watlington is a parish located in Norfolk and Oxfordshire. The latter has a most interesting history. The place name is supposed to have been derived from the Saxon Watelar, meaning "hurdles" or " wattles," alluding to the way in which the Britons are described to have built their towns, " as groves fenced in with hewn trees." It is traditionally said that a military chest of money was left at the house of Robert Parslow, in the town, and never afterwards claimed, in consequence of which he bequeathed a liberal donation to the poor of the parish. 2

Early History of the Whatling family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Whatling research. Another 187 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1200, 1296, 1332, 1681, 1688, 1695, 1711 and 1792 are included under the topic Early Whatling History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Whatling Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years the English language had no fixed system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations occurred commonly in Anglo Norman surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Whatling were recorded, including Watling, Whatling, Watlington, Watlingtone, Whatlington and many more.

Early Notables of the Whatling family

Outstanding amongst the family at this time was John (George) Watling (died 1681), an English buccaneer who claimed to have never plundered on the Sabbath and refused...
Another 27 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Whatling Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Whatling migration to the United States +

The unstable environment in England at this time caused numerous families to board ships and leave in search of opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad in places like Ireland, Australia, and particularly the New World. The voyage was extremely difficult, however, and only taken at great expense. The cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels caused many to arrive diseased and starving, not to mention destitute from the enormous cost. Still opportunity in the emerging nations of Canada and the United States was far greater than at home and many went on to make important contributions to the cultures of their adopted countries. An examination of many early immigration records reveals that people bearing the name Whatling arrived in North America very early:

Whatling Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Heubert Whatling, aged 35, who immigrated to the United States, in 1918
  • Ernest Whatling, aged 18, who landed in America, in 1921
  • Daniel Whatling, aged 10, who settled in America, in 1922
  • John Whatling, aged 18, who settled in America, in 1922

Contemporary Notables of the name Whatling (post 1700) +

  • Simon Whatling (b. 1984), English rugby union player from Bath, England


The Whatling Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Corde manuque
Motto Translation: With heart and hand.


  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.


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