Ward

Origin: The surname Ward is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English word "weard," meaning guard or watchman. It was commonly used as an occupational surname for someone who served as a guardian or protector.

Distribution: The surname Ward is widespread in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Ireland. It has also been found in other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Variations: Variants of the surname Ward include Warden, Wardman, Woodward, and Wardle.

Notable Individuals:

  • Daniel Ward (1836-1914): An English-born Australian politician who served as the Premier of South Australia.
  • Rachel Ward (b. 1957): British-Australian actress and director.
  • Artemas Ward (1727-1800): American major general in the American Revolutionary War.

Coat of Arms: The Ward family coat of arms typically features symbols associated with protection and loyalty, such as shields, armor, and heraldic animals.

Legacy: The surname Ward has a long and illustrious history, with many individuals bearing the name making significant contributions to various fields, including politics, literature, and the arts. Today, it remains a common and recognizable surname in English-speaking countries around the world.

There are approximately 123,159 people named Ward in the UK. That makes it the 36th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,891 in a million people in Britain are named Ward.

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

  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen

Female

  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • 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.

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