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In a nutshell, if you ignore the spelling of the name there are two groups of 'Whittakers" -Ugh- I am only spelling this once - (Whitaker, Whiteacre, etc.) that exist (any spelling variation included):
- Lancashire Whittaker
- Warwickshire Whittaker
A proposal on Whittaker classification:
After researching Whittaker genealogy for over 10 years, I have observed a few things which may (or may not) help other Whittaker researchers.
First. The Whittaker surname originated in England, and existed in two areas there; Warwickshire, and Lancashire. So even if you are starting with a relative in Australia, US, UK, etc. it is helpful if you know if you are a Warwickshire, or Lancashire Whittaker.
Second. In Lancashire it seems there was a large poly-furcation of Whittaker's between 1600-1800. It would be valuable to all if we were able to create a collaborative Great Whittaker Tree to cement the relationships among them.
Finally. I would suggest that anyone researching any of the following; Whittaker, Whittaker, Whiteacre. Search for the Great Whittaker Tree, and see how to collaborate in this project.