WAKEFIELD
Wakefield
Wakefield is a surname of English origin that can be traced back to the geographic location of Wakefield in West Yorkshire, England. The name is derived from the Old English words "wacu," meaning "a watch," and "feld," meaning "an open land," suggesting an individual living in a place that was watched over.
The earliest recordings of the surname date back to the 13th century, where it was commonly found in the Wakefield area. Over time, individuals bearing the surname migrated to other parts of England and, eventually, to other countries.
The name Wakefield has historical significance, as Wakefield was an important market town in Yorkshire known for its wool trade during the medieval period. The surname may also be associated with prominent figures, such as the Wakefield family, who played a role in shaping the local history of Wakefield.
Today, the surname Wakefield is still present in the United Kingdom and has spread to other parts of the world through migration and settlement. Individuals with the surname have made contributions in various fields, including politics, literature, business, and the arts. The Wakefield name continues to be upheld by descendants who take pride in their heritage and ancestry.
There are approximately 11,764 people named Wakefield in the UK. That makes it the 773rd most common surname in Britain. Around 181 in a million people in Britain are named Wakefield.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Alison
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.