Whatcom County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. Its name ultimately derives from the Lummi word Xwotʼqom, meaning “noisy water.” As of 2000, the population was 166,814 in Whatcom County. As of 2010, Whatcom County boasts 7 major towns/regions; Bellingham, Ferndale, Lynden, Birch Bay/Blaine, Mount Baker/Deming, and Nooksack Valley.