Wadge

The surname Wadge has a long history in the United Kingdom, particularly in the regions of Cornwall and Devon. It is believed to have originated as a topographical name, deriving from the Old English word "waec", which means a ford or a shallow section of a river that can be crossed on foot.

Origins:

The earliest recorded instance of the surname Wadge dates back to the 14th century in the county of Cornwall. Over the centuries, the name has spread to other parts of England, but it remains most common in the southwestern regions.

Distribution:

Today, the surname Wadge is relatively rare, with only a small number of individuals bearing this name. It is most commonly found in Cornwall, Devon, and other parts of the West Country.

Notable Individuals:

  • John Wadge (1824-1898): A prominent landowner and philanthropist in the village of St. Buryan, Cornwall.
  • Sarah Wadge (b. 1975): A contemporary artist known for her innovative sculptures using natural materials.

Variants:

Variants of the surname Wadge include Wadg, Wadges, and Wadger. These variations are often the result of phonetic changes or regional dialectal differences.

The surname Wadge holds a unique place in British history and genealogy, reflecting the rich heritage of the Southwest of England.

There are approximately 420 people named Wadge in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Wadge.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Kristin
  • Michael
  • Nicholas
  • Nigel
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • William

Female

  • Angela
  • Deborah
  • Dorothy
  • Jean
  • Jillian
  • Joan
  • Kathryn
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Yvonne

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.