Wade

The surname Wade is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "wadan" meaning to wade or to go. The name was originally given to those who lived near a ford or a shallow crossing in a river where one could wade across. As a descriptive surname, it often referred to someone who might have been a water-crosser or frequented a marshy area.

Historical Origins

The surname Wade can be traced back to early medieval England, where it was first recorded in the Domesday Book in the 11th century. The name has since spread throughout the British Isles and beyond, with variations such as Waide and Waid also found in Scotland and Ireland.

Notable Individuals

Several notable individuals bear the surname Wade, including:

  • George Wade (1673–1748): A British Army officer who is best known for his role in constructing military roads in the Highlands of Scotland.
  • Nicholas Wade (b. 1942): A British science journalist and author known for his work in reporting on genetics and human evolution.
  • Dwyane Wade (b. 1982): An American former professional basketball player who has won multiple NBA championships.

Modern Distribution

The surname Wade remains a common surname in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. It has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

In conclusion, the surname Wade has a rich history dating back to the medieval period in England. It continues to be a prevalent surname in various parts of the world and has been carried by individuals who have made significant contributions in different fields.

There are approximately 21,064 people named Wade in the UK. That makes it the 411th most common surname in Britain. Around 323 in a million people in Britain are named Wade.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Christine
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan

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