What is the origin of the last name Wallace?
Countries of origin for the last name Wallace
Wallace is a moderately common surname of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Old French “waleis,” meaning “foreigner” or “stranger,” which was later anglicized to “Waliis.” The name first appeared in written records in the 12th century and is most commonly found in Scotland and other parts of the British Isles. It is estimated that there are over 300,000 people with the last name Wallace in the United States, making it the 85th most common surname in the country.
Historically, the surname Wallace is associated with Sir William Wallace, a Scottish knight who became one of the main leaders during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th century. Sir William Wallace was immortalized in popular culture as a national hero and portrayed in the movie “Braveheart.” While it is tempting to speculate a direct connection between the surname and this historical figure, there is no concrete evidence to support such claims.
Variant spellings of the name include Wallis and Uallas, among others. These variations can be attributed to differences in dialects and regional pronunciations. The surname Wallace has also been occasionally used as a given name, particularly in the United States.
Genealogical research on the surname Wallace reveals a wide distribution of the name across Scotland, particularly in the regions of Ayrshire, Perthshire, and Lanarkshire. Migration and intermarriage have led to the dispersal of the name throughout the English-speaking world, with notable concentrations in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Tracking the etymology of the surname Wallace reveals its association with various historical and linguistic influences. The Old French origin of the name signifies its connection to the medieval realm of Anglo-Norman culture. As a result of the Norman Conquest, where French-speaking Normans exerted their influence over England and Scotland, words from the Old French language entered the British Isles. The evolution of the name from “waleis” to “Waliis” and eventually to Wallace reflects the gradual linguistic changes that occurred over centuries.
Due to its extensive usage as a surname, the name Wallace has become part of numerous family histories and personal narratives. Each individual carrying the name may have a unique story to tell, intertwining with the broader tapestry of history. Delving into the meaning of the surname Wallace, one is reminded of the interconnectedness of humanity and the countless tales waiting to be discovered within our surnames.
Interesting facts about the last name Wallace
- The surname Wallace is of Scottish origin and has a rich history.
- It is derived from the Old English word “wylisc” or the Anglo-Norman French name “Waleis,” both meaning “foreigner” or “Welshman.”
- The name was originally used to differentiate people of Welsh origin from the native people of England and Scotland.
- The Wallace surname is famously associated with the Scottish hero Sir William Wallace, who led a rebellion against English rule during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the late 13th century.
- Sir William Wallace’s story was popularized in the epic poem “The Acts and Deeds of Sir William Wallace, Knight of Elerslie” by Blind Harry in the late 15th century.
- The Wallace clan is a prominent Scottish clan with a long and storied history.
- The surname has various spellings, including Wallis, Walace, and Walensis.
- Notable modern-day individuals with the surname Wallace include distinguished journalist and political commentator Chris Wallace, film director and producer Randall Wallace, and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Ernest O. Lawrence.
- The surname Wallace is also found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, often as a result of Scottish or Irish immigration.
Name Rank
#123
There are around 197276 people with the last name Wallace in the US