Surname Weatherspoon - Meaning and Origin
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Weatherspoon: What does the surname Weatherspoon mean?
The surname Weatherspoon is a habitational name that originates from either the town of Weatherspoon in Northumberland or Whitspoon in Yorkshire. The name derives from Old English and roughly translates to mean "at the spoon-shaped hill or valley". Weatherspoon can also have Scottish origins stemming from the Gaelic term "weitar-sboin" meaning "blessing of judgment".
The farms and settlements of Weatherspoon and Whitspoon were thought to have been established during the 11th century. Examples of early recordings of the surname include Thomas de Weatherspoon in Northumberland in 1248 and John de Whytspoon in Yorkshire in 1285.
Throughout the centuries, the Weatherspoon surname has spread throughout parts of Europe, including Germany, Scandinavia and the Netherlands.
Today, the surname Weatherspoon is quite common in the United Kingdom and United States. Notable individuals who have borne this name include NFL player T.J. Weatherspoon, American actress Joie Lee (née Weatherspoon), United States Army Major Stephen Weatherspoon, and Neilson Weatherspoon, the third African American to earn a doctorate in chemistry.
Order DNA origin analysisWeatherspoon: Where does the name Weatherspoon come from?
The last name Weatherspoon is most common in the United States. According to the US Census Bureau, in 2018 it was ranked as the 1,404th most common surname. It was also the 838th most common surname in England and Wales that same year.
Weatherspoon appears to be most prevalent in the southeastern United States. According to U.S. Census data, it is estimated that the largest concentration of individuals with the last name Weatherspoon can be found in Georgia, where it is the 303rd most popular name. It is the 431st most popular name in Alabama, and the 833rd most popular name in South Carolina.
As you move further north in the US, Weatherspoon is less common. For example, the name is ranked as the 2,973rd most common surname in New York, and the 4,397th most common name in Ohio. It is the 8,588th most common name in Illinois, and the 15,317th most common name in Michigan.
Weatherspoon is also common in other countries around the world. For example, in Canada it is the 1,164th most common name, while in Scotland it ranks as the 1,161st most popular surname.
In summary, Weatherspoon is a surname that is most prevalent in the southeastern United States, but it can also be found in other regions of the United States and other parts of the world as well.
Variations of the surname Weatherspoon
The Weatherspoon surname has a variety of variants, spellings, and other surnames of similar origin. The most common is Weatherspoon, with other variants including Weathersppon, Witherspoon, Withrespoon, Wethrespoon, Wethrespoone, Whithrespoone, Wetherspoon, and Weatherspoone.
Some other similar surnames include Witherspon, Witherspune, Withrepsone, Wethrespune, Wethraspune, and Withraspune. Some surnames are also derived from the same ancestral sources, including Wheaterspune, Whederspune, Witerspune, Wheterspune, and Weatherspone.
Variations in spelling of the Weatherspoon surname were common in the past, and even today the same name can be spelled in numerous ways. Spellings have often changed between generations, so it is not uncommon to come across slightly different forms.
The Weatherspoon name has a long ancestral history. Many people with the same name are likely related, as variants and similar names are usually traceable to a few core sources. Throughout the United States, the SPI Research Company conducts family history research, and has found connections among many of the above variants.
Famous people with the name Weatherspoon
- Ryan Weatherspoon: professional ice hockey player for the Nashville Predators.
- Craig Weatherspoon: former professional wrestler, who was a part of the Sarge and Weatherspoon tag team.
- Elaine Weatherspoon: Broadway actress and singer, appearing in several musicals, including Sister Act: The Musical.
- Mike Weatherspoon: country music singer and songwriter, releasing several successful albums in the 1980s and '90s.
- Reagan Weatherspoon: current professional basketball player for the Atlanta Dream of the WNBA.
- Tigior Weatherspoon: former professional basketball player and eight-time champion of the National Basketball Players Association.
- Jackee Harry: actress, best known for her roles in television shows such as "227" and "Sister Sister," and her mother's maiden name was Weatherspoon.
- Terri Weatherspoon: Grammy Award-winning producer, composer, and sound engineer responsible for hits such as Craig David's "Fill Me In" and "7 Days."
- Lissy Weatherspoon: former professional soccer player who made history as the first black woman to play in the Brazilian Women's Soccer League.
- Montez Weatherspoon: screenwriter, director, and producer, best known for his work on the acclaimed 2010 drama film "Pariah."