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In the Genealogy section of About.com the surname White is of English, Scottish, and Irish origin. Alternate spellings of White are Whyte, Whiet, Wight, and Whytte. Here is the link to check it out: http://genealogy.about.com/od/surname_meaning/p/white/htm.
Often they adopted names that were derived from nicknames. Nickname surnames were derived from an eke-name, or added name. They usually reflected the physical characteristics or attributes of the first person that used the name. The name White is a nickname type of surname for a pale or fair haired person.Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word hwit, meaning white.. Source(s): http://www.houseofnames.com/white-family...oklatom Â· 4 years ago.he name White is a nickname type of surname for a pale or fair haired person. Further research revealed that the name is derived from the Old English word hwit, meaning white..