Whitlock

The surname Whitlock is of Old English origin, derived from two elements: 'hwīt' meaning 'white' and 'loca' meaning 'enclosure' or 'lock'. It likely referred to someone who lived by a white enclosure, perhaps a fence, a field, or a dwelling made of light-colored wood or stone. Alternatively, it could have been a topographical name for someone living near a 'white lock' in the sense of a stream or river, where 'lock' referred to a barrier or dam.

Over time, like many English surnames, Whitlock transitioned into use as a given name, though it remains much more common as a surname. Its use as a first name is relatively rare and often seen in cultures that favor surnames as given names, particularly in the United States.