Whidden History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe surname Whidden is most likely a derivative of the Old English word 'hwita', meaning "white," but may be rooted in the Welsh or Cornish language. Early Origins of the Whidden familyThe surname Whidden was first found in Chagford, Devon, when the name was recorded in the Mabinogion (a collection of ancient Welsh bardic tales, particularly the collection of 12th-century knightly romances translated by Lady Charlotte Guest, also known as 'The Red Book of Hergest'). Early History of the Whidden familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Whidden research. Another 202 words (14 lines of text) covering the years 1296, 1553, 1555, 1558, 1575 and 1797 are included under the topic Early Whidden History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Whidden Spelling VariationsCornish surnames are characterized by a multitude of spelling variations. The frequent changes in surnames are due to the fact that the Old and Middle English languages lacked definite spelling rules. The official court languages, which were Latin and French, were also influential on the spelling of a surname. Since the spelling of surnames was rarely consistent in medieval times, and scribes and church officials recorded names as they sounded rather than adhering to any specific spelling rules, it was common to find the same individual referred to with different spellings of their surname in the ancient chronicles. Moreover, a large number of foreign names were brought into England, which accelerated and accentuated the alterations to the spelling of various surnames. Lastly, spelling variations often resulted from the linguistic differences between the people of Cornwall and the rest of England. The Cornish spoke a unique Brythonic Celtic language which was first recorded in written documents during the 10th century. However, they became increasingly Anglicized, and Cornish became extinct as a spoken language in 1777, although it has been revived by Cornish patriots in the modern era. The name has been spelled Whidden, Whiddon, Whydon, Whydn and others. Early Notables of the Whidden familyMore information is included under the topic Early Whidden Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Whidden RankingIn the United States, the name Whidden is the 10,690th most popular surname with an estimated 2,487 people with that name. 1
An investigation of the immigration and passenger lists has revealed a number of people bearing the name Whidden: Whidden Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Whidden Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include: Whidden Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
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