Whitney is a female given name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "whitney", which means "from the white farm" or "white meadow". The name Whitney has been used in English-speaking countries since the Middle Ages, but it became more popular during the 20th century.
The earliest known use of the name Whitney was in the 13th century, when it appeared as a surname in England. It is believed to have originated as an occupational name for someone who worked at a farm or estate with white buildings or meadows.
In literature, the name Whitney has been used by several authors, including Charlotte Bronte and William Shakespeare. In Bronte's novel "Jane Eyre", the character of Miss Temple is sometimes referred to as "Whitney". In Shakespeare's play "The Two Gentlemen of Verona", one of the characters is named Valentine, who has a servant called Speed, whose real name is Whitney.
Throughout history, the name Whitney has been associated with several notable individuals. For example, Whitney Houston was an American singer and actress who achieved international success in the 1980s and 1990s. Additionally, Whitney Wolfe Herd is the founder and CEO of the dating app Bumble.
Overall, the name Whitney has a long history and has been used by many notable individuals throughout the centuries. Its meaning and origins make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
"Whitney's popularity as a baby name surged significantly from the late 1970s onwards, peaking at over 1400 births annually between 1979 and 1985. However, it has since declined steadily, with fewer than 300 births per year recorded in recent years."