Wallace Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wallace come from? What does the surname Wallace mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wallace and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Wallis, Walles
Surname Wallace Origin: What does the last name Wallace mean?
Wallace is an Irish surname with origins in the Anglo-Norman French term "Waleis," meaning "Welshman." It is believed to have stemmed from the Old Low Franconian term "Walhisk," which refers to a "foreigner," "Celt," or "Roman." The original surname may have denoted individuals from the former Kingdom of Strathclyde who spoke Cumbric, a language related to Welsh, or possibly immigrants from Wales or the Welsh Marches. Variations of the name include Welsh, Walla, Wallais, Wallice, and more. YourRoots data suggests that the surname Wallace first appeared in records from Scotland in the early 12th century and remained closely associated with Scotland through the 16th century.
By the 17th century, the Wallace surname saw significant growth in records in the United States, surpassing Scotland by the early 18th century. The name has continued to spread globally, with a notable presence in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, and more. Today, the Wallace surname reflects a diverse heritage and can be found in various regions worldwide, showcasing its enduring legacy and widespread presence across different cultures and territories.
Wallace Last Name History: Where did the last name Wallace come from?
Origin of Wallace Surname: Where does the last name Wallace originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wallace first appeared in records from Scotland (United Kingdom) around the early 12th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Wallace” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wallace: What does the Wallace surname history look like in the early days?
The “Wallace” surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 12th through the 16th century. While exact country details for this period are not provided, YourRoots data suggests a significant presence of the Wallace surname in the United Kingdom during this time, indicating an early spread within the region.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wallace surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Wallace surname grew significantly in the United States. By the early 18th century, it had surpassed Scotland (United Kingdom), a trend that continued into the 19th and 20th centuries. The “Wallace” surname remains prominent in the United States and other regions worldwide. While exact country details are not provided for the modern period, based on the overall data trends, it is likely that the surname has a widespread presence globally.
Explore Wallace last name heritage and Wallace surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wallace Surame?
Dee Wallace
Deanna Wallace (née Bowers), also known as Dee Wallace Stone (born Dec 14, 1948), is an American actress best known for her role in the iconic film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. With a diverse career in horror and comedy, she has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Marcia Wallace
Marcia Karen Wallace (Nov 1, 1942 - Oct 25, 2013) was an American actress known for her roles on iconic sitcoms like The Bob Newhart Show, Full House, and The Simpsons. She won an Emmy for voicing Edna Krabappel. Wallace was also a cancer activist and had a career spanning five decades.
Aria Wallace
Aria Summer Wallace (born Nov 3, 1996) is an American singer, songwriter, and actress known for her roles in Nickelodeon's iCarly and Roxy Hunter movies. Starting her career in The Bernie Mac Show, she continues to excel in film, TV, and music.
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