Whitney is an English surname-derived given name, originally referring to a clearing or meadow surrounded by white flowers. It has Old English roots in 'hwit' meaning 'white' and 'ing' meaning 'place' or 'location'.
Whitney holds cultural significance as a strong and independent symbol in American literature and history, particularly with the character Ellen Wheeler Whitney from Herman Melville's novel 'The Confidence-Man'.
People named Whitney are often seen as confident, resourceful, and adaptable individuals who possess a strong sense of individuality and independence.
Whitney remains popular as a given name for both girls and boys in the US, with a recent resurgence in its usage since the early 2000s.