Surname Whetlock - Meaning and Origin
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Whetlock: What does the surname Whetlock mean?
The last name Whetlock is derived from an Olde English phrase meaning one who sharpens weapons. This last name likely began as an occupational name for a sharpener of weapons and tools. Whetstones were popular tools for sharpening weapons for much of European history, with terms like Wet McLaren being used in England as early as 1273.
Today, the Whetlock name is likely to be found most prominently in the British Isles, where sword and tool sharpening has a long history. The Whetlock name likely originated from an ancestor who sharpened knives, swords, and tools in the medieval age.
The surname has a strong connection to history and tradition. As a craft, the sharpening of tools and weapons was a vital part of ancient life. It was often a family-controlled trade, passed down from generation to generation. In this way, the Whetlock family name celebrates a unique and important part of history – an important contribution to the world of industry and craft.
The name ‘Whetlock’ is a reminder of the long-standing tradition of weapon and tool making that dates back to the medieval age. It’s a reminder of an ancient craft, which has been preserved and passed down through the generations.
Order DNA origin analysisWhetlock: Where does the name Whetlock come from?
As of the most recent US census, the last name Whetlock is most common in the United States, specifically in the states of Oregon and Pennsylvania. A few Whetlocks can also be found in Major cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, as well as Canada and other parts of the world.
The Whetlock surname is thought to be of English origin and dates back to ancient times. The common English variants of the name include Wheatlok, Weightlock, and Wetlok. While some Whetlocks choose to spell their surname with one "t", others may choose to use the traditional spelling with two or even three "t's".
In the 18th and 19th centuries, a lot of Europe's migration patterns to the United States were what caused the Whetlock surname to spread across the nation. Today, Whetlocks continue to be a part of communities all across the United States.
The name is not particularly common, meaning you can easily stand out in a crowd if you have it. If you’re a Whetlock, this makes for a unique opportunity to trace your ancestry and seek out other members of the Whetlock clan.
Variations of the surname Whetlock
The surname Whetlock has several variants, spellings, and surnames of the same origin. While the most common variant is "Whetlock", it can also be spelled as "Whetlocke", "Whetelocke", and "Wheatlock".
Other surnames of similar origin also include "Wetloch", "Whetlocker", "Wheetlock", and "Wheatlake".
Additionally, there are some more unusual yet related surnames, such as "Whettock", "Whetlet", "Whittelock", and "Whittlelock". Although they may appear similar to the surname Whetlock, these alternatives typically are of a different origin and are more commonly associated with other geographic regions.
Variations of Whetlock are commonly found in both the United States and England. Records show the surname first appearing in England in the late 17th century, which indicates that English variations of the name are likely older than those found in the United States.
Despite the variation in spelling, the surname Whetlock is always associated with the same English or Scottish origin, meaning "from the whetstone or millstone". This indicates that the original bearer of this surname probably worked or lived near a whetstone or millstone.
Famous people with the name Whetlock
- George Whetlock (18th Century British sculptor)
- Maddison Whetlock (Australian singer-songwriter)
- Patrick Whetlock (Voice actor on the animated series, Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!)
- Lance Whetlock (American Inventor, Entrepreneur, and Futurist)
- Cameron Whetlock (Professional eSports commentator and video game journalist)
- Jan Whetlock (Canadian actor, writer, director, producer)
- Lionel Whetlock (18th Century writer, journalist, and publisher)
- Fred Whetlock (Great War Memorial sculptor)
- Alexander Whetlock (American actor and voice-over artist)
- Colby Whetlock (American actor and television producer)