The name Whitfield is of English origin, derived from Old English elements 'hwit' meaning white and 'feld' meaning field. It was originally a surname given to someone who lived near a white field or meadow. The name gained prominence in the Middle Ages but has become less common over time. Today, it's considered somewhat rare and unique.
The name Whitfield experienced varied popularity over the years, with peaks in certain decades and fluctuations thereafter. The highest birth years were 1917 (12 births) and 1921 (18 births), indicating periods of higher usage. However, since 1970, there has been a consistent decline in its popularity, with an average of around 5-6 births per year from 1970 to present day (2023).