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.
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?
William Wallace
Sir William Wallace (c. 1270 – 23 Aug 1305) was a Scottish knight and leader during the First War of Scottish Independence. Known for defeating the English at Stirling Bridge, he later served as Guardian of Scotland. Captured by King Edward I, he was executed for treason. Wallace's legendary status inspired literature and the film "Braveheart."
Little is known of Wallace's family history, but he may have been born in Ellerslie or Elderslie. The Wallace surname's origins are uncertain, possibly derived from "foreigner" or "Welshman." During a political crisis in Scotland, Wallace rose to prominence, resisting English rule and fighting for Scottish independence.
George Wallace
George Corley Wallace Jr. (August 25, 1919 – September 13, 1998) was the 45th governor of Alabama known for his segregationist views. He served multiple terms and ran for the U.S. presidency several times, advocating for "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever." Wallace later renounced his segregationist stance and became a born-again Christian. He made national headlines for his controversial actions during the Civil Rights Movement and survived an assassination attempt that left him paralyzed. Wallace's political career spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on Alabama politics.
David Foster Wallace
David Foster Wallace (Feb 21, 1962 – Sep 12, 2008) was an influential American novelist, essayist, and professor known for his novel "Infinite Jest." He was praised for his innovative writing style and received critical acclaim for his work. Wallace also struggled with depression, alcoholism, and drug addiction, which ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 46. Despite his personal challenges, he left a lasting impact on the literary world and is remembered as a talented and thought-provoking writer.
Nicolle Wallace
Nicolle Renee Wallace (February 4, 1972 - ) is an American television political commentator, author, and former White House Communications Director. She is known for her work on MSNBC's Deadline: White House and ABC's The View. Wallace has also been a political analyst for NBC News and a senior advisor for John McCain's 2008 presidential campaign.
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 as Mary Taylor in the iconic 1982 film E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. She has also made a name for herself as a "scream queen" in various horror films like The Howling, Cujo, and Critters. Wallace has appeared in TV shows like Grey's Anatomy and Criminal Minds, showcasing her versatile acting skills. Beyond acting, she is a public speaker, author, and radio show host, inspiring others with her messages of determination and love.
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