WAKEMAN
Wakeman
Wakeman is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "wac" meaning watchful or awake, and "mann" meaning man. The surname Wakeman is a metonymic occupational name for a watchman or guard, indicating someone who was responsible for keeping watch or guarding a specific area, such as a town or a castle.
Origins and Distribution
The surname Wakeman is most commonly found in England, particularly in the counties of Worcestershire, Shropshire, and Warwickshire. It is believed to have originated in the West Midlands region of England and spread to other parts of the country over time. The first known recording of the surname dates back to the early 13th century.
Notable Individuals
- Humphrey Wakeman (1649-1694): A prominent English clergyman and writer known for his theological works.
- Henry Offley Wakeman (1852-1908): An English historian and author best known for his works on the history of Mercia.
Variants
Variants of the surname Wakeman include Wakman and Wakemann. Over time, variations in spelling have occurred due to dialectal differences and clerical errors in record-keeping.
Coat of Arms
The Wakeman family crest features a shield with a watchtower, symbolising vigilance and protection. The colours and symbols on the coat of arms may vary depending on the specific branch of the family.
In summary, the surname Wakeman has a long history in England and is associated with individuals who held the important role of watchmen or guards. Today, individuals with the surname Wakeman can trace their heritage back to the West Midlands region of England and beyond.
There are approximately 2,349 people named Wakeman in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,687th most common surname in Britain. Around 36 in a million people in Britain are named Wakeman.
Surname type: Occupational name
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
- Alan
- Andrew
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Matthew
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
Female
- Alison
- Christine
- Claire
- Donna
- Jane
- Karen
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Maureen
- Nicola
- Pauline
- Rachel
- Susan
- Victoria