Whitnei is of American origin, derived from the English surname Whitney, which was an occupational name for a worshiper or maker of lace. It has a modern, stylish sound and is often associated with popular culture, having been used in various TV shows and movies.
The name Whitnei had a peak popularity in 1986 with eight births that year. It remained relatively stable throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, with an overall total of thirty-one births during this period.