EtymologyWhittemore is an English surname of locational origin, derived from various places named Whittemore, such as those in Staffordshire or elsewhere. The name combines the Old English elements hwit meaning "white" and mor meaning "moor, heath, or bog". Thus, Whittemore likely referred to a settlement or landmark characterized by a pale or white-colored moor.Notable BearersThe surname Whittemore has been borne by a variety of individuals spanning different fields, as recorded in Wikipedia extracts. Among them are:Arthur Whittemore (1896–1969), Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial CourtBenjamin Franklin Whittemore (1824–1894), American Civil War chaplain and politicianEdward Whittemore (1933–1995), American authorAlice S. Whittemore (1936–2025), American epidemiologist and biostatisticianJames D. Whittemore (born 1962), American judgeSamuel Whittemore (1694–1793), American farmer and oldest known colonial combatantReed Whittemore (1919–2012), American poetLiz Wilde (born Anne Whittemore in 1971), American radio personalityJo Whittemore (born 1977), American authorFloyd K. Whittemore (1844–1907), American businessman and Illinois State TreasurerHarvey Whittemore (born 1956), American lawyer and businessmanRodney Whittemore, American politicianThis list illustrates the name's prominence in American history, with Samuel Whittemore notably recognized as the oldest colonial combatant from the American Revolutionary War.Cultural SignificanceAs a locational surname, Whittemore reflects the common English tradition of adopting names from geographic features or place names. The prevalence of the name in the United States, particularly among early settlers, underscores its Anglo-American heritage. The various professional and social contributions of Whittemores—from law to literature, medicine to politics—demonstrate the name's broad societal impact.