Additional meanings of Whidden will be available shortly

The surname Whitton, Whitten, or Whiddon, later Whiton, dates back to the earliest periods of recorded history in England. It is of Anglo-Saxon origin, and was derived from one of the several places that are called Whitton. It is of fairly common usage in England, and was undoubtedly adopted by several families as their surname as early as the twelfth century. The Anglo-Saxon form is "Hwita run", meaning the "White Farm" or hamlet. Hwita was also an Anglo-Saxon word meaning light or fair and it is possible that the name means Hwita's farm or estate. It is interesting to note that the name is still pronounced as though the "H" were the first letter, even though this letter is now moved to the second place.

From "A dictionary of archaic and provincial words, obsolete phrases" Vol. 2 by James Orchard Halliwell-Phillipps

piggy whidden [piggy wiggy]: the little white pig, the smallest of the veers [litter]. One is generally smaller than the rest, weak and white; its whiteness denoting imbecility.

Used in Robert Burns poetry:

Whid, the motion of a hare running but not frighted, a lie.

Whidden, running, as a hare or coney.

Pronounciation of Whidden: Hidden behind a 'W' says a school teacher who started off each school year making it easy to remember both the spelling and pronounciation.

Origin of the Surname: known in England, Scotland and Ireland from about 1200 A.D. Sir John Whyddon lived in Chagford in Devonshire, England.

Arms of Sir John WHYDDON knight 227.9kB file

Heraldry by Francois Velde including FAQ and illustrated glossary and heraldic "atlas"; answers the question "what is my family arms?"

Description of Sir John WHYDDON arms: