Whincup - Origin of Whincup

Origin of Whincup

The origin of the Whincup name is not known for certain. The earliest references found to date are in the 16th century in Yorkshire (Spofforth, Collingham, Copgrove) and Lincolnshire, and with a large separate branch in Suffolk (usually spelt Whincop).

Surnames originated in the 12th and 13th centuries and primarily came from one of four sources:

1. Occupational e.g. Archer, Baker, Carter, Farmer, Mason, Smith, etc.
2. Place associated e.g. Deighton, London, Newton, Preston, York or more loosely Brook, Dale, Hill, Pond, Rivers, Underwood etc.
3. Patronymic e.g. Edmundson or Edmunds, John-son, Richard-son, Thom-son.
4. Nicknames e.g. Green, Long, New-man, Short, Redhead, Round.