Was

Was is a surname of English origin that is believed to be derived from the Old English word 'waes', meaning 'water' or 'marsh'. The surname likely originated as a topographic name for someone who lived near or by water, such as a stream, river, or marshland.

The name Was is recorded in various forms throughout history, including Was, Wase, Wasse, and Wass. It is a relatively uncommon surname, with most bearers being found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with a strong Anglo-Saxon heritage.

Individuals with the surname Was have been recorded in various historical documents, including census records, parish registers, and other genealogical sources. Some notable bearers of the surname include literary figures, academics, and professionals.

As with many surnames of English origin, the surname Was may have undergone variations in spelling over the years due to factors such as dialectal differences, clerical errors, and anglicisation. Research into genealogical records and historical documents can provide valuable insights into the origins and distribution of the Was surname.

There are approximately 106 people named Was in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Was.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Arkadiusz
  • Daniel
  • Grzegorz
  • Jacek
  • John
  • Krzysztof
  • Lukasz
  • Marek
  • Sebastian
  • Stanislaw
  • Tomasz

Female

  • Anna
  • Edyta
  • Ewelina
  • Justyna
  • Katarzyna
  • Kinga
  • Magdalena
  • Monika
  • Olga
  • Rebecca

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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