United States inventor of the mechanical cotton gin (1765-1825)
"Eli Whitney invented the mechanical cotton gin, revolutionizing American agriculture in the early 19th century."
the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada range in California (14,494 feet high)
"After a grueling climb up the granite slabs, we finally reached Whitney and gazed out over the vast expanse of Yosemite Valley."
A habitational surname, from Middle English.
"The genealogist confirmed that the family name Whitney is a habitational surname derived from Middle English."
The name Whitney comes from the Old English words hwītan (meaning white) and īeġ (meaning island), literally translating to "white island." It was originally used as a place name before becoming a surname.