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![Show Contents]() Whitwal History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
 England
The Norman Conquest of England in 1066 brought much change to the island nation, including many immigrants with new names. Among these immigrants were the ancestors of the Whitwal family, who lived in any of various places called Whitwell, in Dorset, Hertfordshire, Norfolk, and the North Riding of Yorkshire.These place names are derived from the Old English hwi-t, meaning "white," and well meaning a "spring," or "stream." Early Origins of the Whitwal familyThe surname Whitwal was first found in Yorkshire where they held a family seat from very ancient times. Early History of the Whitwal familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Whitwal research. Another 156 words (11 lines of text) covering the years 1100, 1238, 1296, 1719, 1749, 1788 and 1797 are included under the topic Early Whitwal History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Whitwal Spelling VariationsBefore 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 Whitwal were recorded, including Witwall, Witwell, Whitwell, Whitwel, Whitewell and others. Early Notables of the Whitwal familyOutstanding amongst the family at this time was John Griffin Whitwell (1719-1797), birth name of Field Marshal John Griffin Griffin, 4th Baron Howard de Walden, 1st Baron Braybrooke. He assumed the name Griffin through his mother Anne...
Another 37 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Whitwal Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Whitwal familyThe 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 Whitwal arrived in North America very early: Elizabeth Whitewell, who settled in Virginia in 1653; W. Whitewell settled in San Francisco California in 1864; John Whitwell settled in America in 1675.
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