Whittlesey History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Ireland
Scotland

The distinguished surname Whittlesey came from England to Ireland in several different waves, beginning with the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century. As an Irish name, this name has been used as a translation of various Gaelic names incorporating the Gaelic word, "bán," which means "white."

Early Origins of the Whittlesey family

The surname Whittlesey was first found in Ireland after the Anglo-Norman invasion of the 12th century, when Walter Whyte is known to have come to Ireland with 'Strongbow'. The earliest bearers of this name settled mostly in counties Down and Sligo (Irish: Sligeach), in the province of Connacht in Northwestern Ireland, where their names became MacWhite, MacFaoitigh, de Faoite and the like.

One of the earliest records of the family was Richard White (died 1367), an Irish judge who held office as Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. He was born at Clongill, near Navan in County Meath where the White family owned Clongill Castle until the seventeenth century.

Early History of the Whittlesey family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Whittlesey research. Another 126 words (9 lines of text) covering the years 1213, 1414, 1572, 1575, 1584, 1648, 1738, 1820, 1835, 1863, 1893 and 1912 are included under the topic Early Whittlesey History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Whittlesey Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Whyte, Wight, Whight, White, MacWhite, MacFaoitigh and many more.

Early Notables of the Whittlesey family

Another 42 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Whittlesey Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Whittlesey migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Whittlesey Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Augusta M. Whittlesey, who immigrated to the United States, in 1903
Caroline Whittlesey, aged 58, who landed in America, in 1908
Mrs. H. C. Whittlesey, who settled in America, in 1908
Frances C. Whittlesey, aged 68, who landed in America, in 1910
Jeannie Whittlesey, aged 50, who landed in America, in 1910
... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Contemporary Notables of the name Whittlesey (post 1700) +

Faith Ryan Whittlesey (1939-2018), American politician and diplomat, United States Ambassador to Switzerland (1985-1988), (1981-1983), Director of the Office of Public Liaison (1983-1985), Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (1973-1976)
William Augustus Whittlesey (1796-1866), U.S. Representative from Ohio
Thomas Tucker Whittlesey (1798-1868), U.S. Representative from Connecticut
Charles Frederick Whittlesey (1867-1941), American architect
Charles Whittlesey (1808-1886), American soldier, geologist and an investigator of mounds relics
Colonel Charles White Whittlesey (1884-1921), American Medal of Honor recipient
Frederick Whittlesey (1799-1851), U.S. Representative from New York
Elisha Whittlesey (1783-1863), American lawyer, civil servant and U.S. Representative from Ohio
William Whittlesey (d. 1374), English Bishop of Rochester, then Bishop of Worcester, then finally Archbishop of Canterbury
Samuel Whittlesey Dana (1760-1830), American lawyer and politician, United States Senator from Connecticut (1810-1821)

The Whittlesey 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: Echel agus coruic
Motto Translation: The axle and coryg.