Whitney

girlOld English

Whitney is an girl name of Old English origin, meaning “White island”.

MeaningWhite island
GenderGirl
OriginOld English
PronunciationWIT-nee
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, Canada

Meaning and origin of Whitney

Whitney comes from an English place name, from the Old English hwit, 'white', and ieg, 'island' or 'dry ground in a marsh', so 'at the white island'. It became a surname, then a given name, at first mainly for boys. The singer Whitney Houston made it very popular for girls in the 1980s.

Is Whitney a religious name?

Whitney is a place name and surname with no religious background.

How popular is Whitney?

Popular in the US in the 1980s and 1990s; less common today.

Gifts with the name Whitney

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Spellings and variants of Whitney

WhitneeWitney

Names similar to Whitney

BrittanyCourtneyLindseyAshley

More girl names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Whitney mean?

Whitney means 'White island'. It is of Old English origin.

Does Whitney have a religious meaning?

Whitney is a place name and surname with no religious background.

How do you pronounce Whitney?

Whitney is pronounced WIT-nee.

Is Whitney a boy or girl name?

Whitney is usually a girl name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.