Wakefield Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wakefield come from? What does the surname Wakefield mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wakefield and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wakefield Origin: What does the last name Wakefield mean?
The surname Wakefield is of English origin, with records dating back to the early 15th century. It is the 1,356th most common surname in Great Britain, with concentrations in areas like the West Midlands, the City of Leeds, Devon, and Kent. Notable individuals with the surname include figures like Andrew Wakefield, known for fraudulent research, and Captain Arthur Wakefield, a New Zealand colonizer. The Wakefield surname has remained closely associated with England from the 15th to the 18th centuries, with global spread evident in countries like the United States by the 20th century.
YourRoots data highlights the presence of the Wakefield surname in various countries worldwide, showcasing its continued expansion and influence over the centuries. From its origins in England to its prominence in the United States and beyond, the Wakefield surname reflects a diverse and widespread legacy. As individuals with this surname continue to make their mark across different regions and cultures, the Wakefield name remains a testament to a rich and enduring heritage.
Wakefield Last Name History: Where did the last name Wakefield come from?
Origin of Wakefield Surname: Where does the last name Wakefield originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wakefield first appeared in records from England around the early 15th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Wakefield spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wakefield: What does the Wakefield surname history look like in the early days?
The Wakefield surname remained closely associated with England from the 15th to the 18th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Wakefield family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wakefield surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Wakefield surname grew significantly in the United States. The Wakefield surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including those not explicitly listed here.
Explore Wakefield last name heritage and Wakefield surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wakefield Surame?
Andrew Wakefield
Andrew Jeremy Wakefield (September 3, 1956 - present) is a British former physician known for his fraudulent 1998 study that falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism. He was struck off the medical register for misconduct and continues to be an anti-vaccine activist. Despite widespread criticism and backlash, Wakefield remains a controversial figure in the medical community.
Tim Wakefield
Timothy Stephen Wakefield (August 2, 1966 – October 1, 2023) was an American professional baseball knuckleball pitcher known for his 17-year career with the Boston Red Sox. Wakefield won 200 career games, ranking third in Red Sox franchise history. He was an All-Star in 2009 and won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010. Wakefield's success as a pitcher earned him a lasting legacy with the Red Sox, making him a beloved figure in the world of baseball.
Charity Wakefield
Charity Wakefield is an English actress known for her roles in various TV series and films. Born in Tunbridge Wells, Wakefield began her acting career after attending Oxford School of Drama. She has appeared in popular shows like "Sense & Sensibility," "Wolf Hall," "The Halcyon," and "The Great." Wakefield's talent extends beyond acting, as she also plays the violin and has a strong singing voice. With a diverse range of roles under her belt, Wakefield continues to captivate audiences with her performances.
Ruth Graves Wakefield
Ruth Graves Wakefield (June 17, 1903 – January 10, 1977) was an American chef and innovator in the baking world. She created the first chocolate chip cookie recipe, inspiring the iconic Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie. Known for her cookbook "Ruth Wakefield’s, Toll House: Tried and True Recipes," Wakefield's culinary creations became a sensation, leading to a consulting deal with Nestlé. Her cookies gained popularity during World War II, with troops requesting them in care packages. Despite retiring in 1966, Ruth's legacy lives on as the mastermind behind one of America's favorite treats.
Rhys Wakefield
Rhys Wakefield is an Australian actor and director known for his roles in Australian TV series Home and Away, the film The Black Balloon, and HBO's True Detective. He also directed the film Berserk and co-created the sci-fi podcast series From Now, which is being developed into a TV series with Amazon Studios.
Born in Cairns, Queensland, Wakefield attended the McDonald College of Performing Arts before starting his acting career. He has received nominations for his performances in The Black Balloon and has appeared in various films and TV series. Wakefield continues to make waves in the entertainment industry with his diverse talents and projects.
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