WAKE
Wake
The surname "Wake" is of Old English origin, derived from the word "wacu," meaning vigil or watchfulness. It is classified as a topographical surname, indicating someone who lived by a wake (a marshland or a damp meadow) or a signifier of a watchman or guard.
Etymology and Origins
The Wake surname has ancient roots in England, dating back to the early medieval period. The Wake family was historically prominent in the East Midlands, particularly in the counties of Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and Northamptonshire.
Notable Individuals
One of the most famous bearers of the Wake surname was "Hereward the Wake," a legendary Anglo-Saxon nobleman who led a rebellion against the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. Other notable individuals with the Wake surname include literary figures, military leaders, and influential personalities throughout British history.
Distribution and Demographics
Today, the Wake surname is distributed across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world where British emigrants settled. It is a relatively uncommon surname, with concentrations in regions where the Wake family historically held influence.
Heraldic Symbolism
The Wake family coat of arms features symbols that reflect the family's heritage, including elements like crosses, lions, and heraldic motifs associated with vigilance and protection. These heraldic symbols represent the family's status and lineage in traditional British heraldry.
In conclusion, the Wake surname holds a significant place in British history and genealogy, with a legacy that spans centuries. Its origins in Old English and associations with vigilance and watchfulness make it a distinctive and intriguing surname within the rich tapestry of British surnames.
There are approximately 4,591 people named Wake in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,043rd most common surname in Britain. Around 70 in a million people in Britain are named Wake.
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
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Dorothy
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Joanne
- Karen
- Katherine
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.