WAKLEY
Wakley
Wakley is a surname of British origin, most commonly found in the United Kingdom. The name is of Anglo-Saxon descent, derived from the Old English pre 7th-century term "Wacol", which means watchful or vigilant. It is a toponymic surname, indicating that the original bearers of the name may have hailed from a place called Wakley or a similar-sounding location.
History
The Wakley surname has been traced back to early medieval England, with records showing its presence in various regions across the country. The Wakley family name has been associated with individuals from different walks of life, including farmers, artisans, and tradesmen.
Notable Individuals
1. Thomas Wakley (1795–1862)
Thomas Wakley was a prominent English surgeon and politician. He is best known for founding The Lancet, a leading medical journal that continues to be published to this day. Wakley was also a Member of Parliament and a vocal advocate for medical reform.
2. Kate Wakley (b. 1980)
Kate Wakley is a contemporary British artist known for her abstract paintings inspired by nature and landscapes. Her work has been exhibited in galleries across the UK and has garnered critical acclaim for its vibrant use of colour and texture.
Distribution
The Wakley surname is relatively uncommon, with most individuals bearing the name residing in England. However, there are also Wakley families in other English-speaking countries, including Australia and the United States.
In conclusion, the Wakley surname carries a rich history and is associated with individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields.
There are approximately 680 people named Wakley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,901st most common surname in Britain. Around ten in a million people in Britain are named Wakley.
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
- Brian
- Christopher
- David
- Gary
- Gavin
- John
- Martin
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Philip
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Alison
- Ann
- Barbara
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Linda
- Margaret
- Michelle
- Patricia
- Rachel
- Sally
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.