Wade Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wade come from? What does the surname Wade mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wade and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wade Origin: What does the last name Wade mean?
The Wade surname has its roots in Anglo-Saxon England, originating from the Middle English given name "Wade" or the Old English word "(ge)waed". This name is derived from the verb "wadan" meaning "to go" or "wade", and from "(ge)waed" meaning "ford". Variants of the surname include Waide and Wadey, with documented relationships to Waythe and Ford/Forth. Notable individuals with the Wade surname include President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal, American singer Adam Wade, and British botanist Arthur Edward Wade.
YourRoots data indicates that the Wade surname first appeared in records from the United Kingdom in the early 13th century. By the 17th century, the surname had spread significantly to the United States, with a notable increase in family records. Today, the Wade surname is prominent in the United States, the United Kingdom, and various regions worldwide, reflecting a rich history and a global presence.
Wade Last Name History: Where did the last name Wade come from?
Origin of Wade Surname: Where does the last name Wade originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wade first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Wade” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wade: What does the Wade surname history look like in the early days?
The “Wade” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 13th through the 16th century. By the 17th century, YourRoots data shows a significant growth in the volume of Wade family records in the United States, indicating a spread over the Atlantic.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wade surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Wade surname grew significantly in the United States. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, with the United States surpassing the United Kingdom in the number of Wade surname records. Today, the “Wade” surname is prominent in the United States but can also be found in the United Kingdom and other regions worldwide.
Explore Wade last name heritage and Wade surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wade Surame?
Dwyane Wade
Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. (born Jan 17, 1982) is a retired American basketball player and current host of The Cube. Known for his time with the Miami Heat, Wade won three NBA championships and was a 13-time All-Star. He also led Team USA to Olympic gold in 2008. Wade's jersey was retired by the Heat in 2020, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023.
Jeremy Wade
Jeremy John Wade (born Mar 23, 1956) is a British television presenter, author, and biologist known for his series River Monsters and Mighty Rivers. With a degree in zoology, he has traveled the world catching various fish species. Wade's adventurous spirit led him to survive a plane crash, catch malaria, and be held at gunpoint. Fluent in multiple languages, he has written books on angling and starred in films like Blood Lake. Wade continues to explore underwater mysteries in his recent series, Mysteries of the Deep, captivating audiences with his angling expertise and thrilling expeditions.
Christian Wade
Christian Wade (May 15, 1991 -) is an English professional rugby union player known for his impressive try-scoring abilities. He has played for notable teams like Wasps and Gloucester and even had a stint in American football with the Buffalo Bills. Wade's speed and agility on the field have earned him recognition both nationally and internationally. With a diverse athletic background and a passion for the game, Wade continues to make waves in the world of rugby.
Tyler Wade
Tyler Dean Wade (November 23, 1994 - ) is an American professional baseball player known for his versatility on the field. He has played for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, and Oakland Athletics in Major League Baseball. Wade was born in Murrieta, California, and was drafted by the Yankees in 2013, forgoing a college commitment to sign with the team. Throughout his career, he has shown skill in various positions and has been a valuable asset to his teams. With a strong work ethic and determination, Wade continues to make an impact in the world of baseball.
Matthew Wade
Matthew Scott Wade (born 26 Dec 1987) is an Australian former international cricketer known for his time with the Australian national team, as well as playing for the Tasmanian cricket team and Hobart Hurricanes. Wade captained Australia, won the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup, and overcame testicular cancer at a young age. He also had successful stints in domestic cricket with Victoria and Tasmania. Wade's dynamic batting and wicketkeeping skills made him a valuable asset in various cricket leagues worldwide, including the Indian Premier League and The Hundred. With a strong family background in sports, Wade's legacy in cricket is celebrated by fans globally.
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