Wardlaw

Wardlaw is a surname of Scottish origin that is derived from the Old English words "weard," meaning guard, and "hlaw," meaning hill. The name is believed to have originated as a toponymic surname, referring to individuals who lived near or on a hill used as a watchtower.

The Wardlaw surname has ancient origins dating back to medieval Scotland, where it was associated with families of nobility and landed gentry. The name has historical and aristocratic connotations, with notable individuals bearing the surname holding positions of power and influence in Scotland.

Over time, the Wardlaw surname has spread beyond Scotland, with individuals bearing the name found across the United Kingdom and in various parts of the world. The name has also diversified in its spelling, with variations such as Wardlow and Wardlawe appearing in historical records.

Today, individuals with the surname Wardlaw can be found in diverse professions and walks of life, reflecting the evolution of the name over centuries. The surname continues to be borne with pride by many families, preserving a connection to their Scottish heritage and the noble lineage associated with the name.

There are approximately 1,138 people named Wardlaw in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,679th most common surname in Britain. Around 17 in a million people in Britain are named Wardlaw.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: Celtic

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: Scotland

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: Gaelic

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alan
  • Andrew
  • Brian
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Robert
  • Thomas
  • William

Female

  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Bernadette
  • Elizabeth
  • Heather
  • Jacqueline
  • Jane
  • Janice
  • Jean
  • Linda
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Sarah

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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