Wheelock (name)

Wheelock is a surname of English origin. It is a locational name derived from places in Cheshire and Shropshire, England, called Wheelock, which are named from the Old English words "hweol", meaning "wheel", and "ac", meaning "oak". This suggests that the original bearers of the name lived near a prominent oak tree used as a landmark, perhaps one resembling a wheel in shape or one used for some purpose connected to wheels.

The name can also be used as a given name, although this is less common.

Distribution:

The surname Wheelock is found primarily in English-speaking countries, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom.

Notable People:

• Eleazar Wheelock (1711-1779): An American Congregational minister, educator, and the founder and first president of Dartmouth College.
• John Wheelock (1754-1817): Son of Eleazar Wheelock and the second president of Dartmouth College.
• Other individuals bearing the surname have contributed to various fields, including business, arts, and sciences.