Ward Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Ward come from? What does the surname Ward mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Ward and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Warshawsky, Warde, Wardman
Surname Ward Origin: What does the last name Ward mean?
Ward is a surname of either Old English or Old Gaelic origin, commonly found in English-speaking countries. In Old English, it was an occupational name for a civil guard or a topographical name referring to a marsh. In Old Gaelic, it derived from Mac an Bh√°ird, meaning "son of the Bard," where a bard was a storyteller or poet. The surname Ward dates back to 1176 and is the 79th most common surname in the United States, the 78th in Ireland, and was the most common surname in Lutterworth, Leicestershire in 2007.
YourRoots data indicates that the Ward surname has been present in historical records in England since the early 13th century, with a notable increase in the United States from the 16th century onwards. The surname has seen significant global spread, with a strong presence in countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond. The Ward surname reflects a diverse history, embodying both occupational and topographical origins, and continues to be prevalent in various regions and cultures worldwide.
Ward Last Name History: Where did the last name Ward come from?
Origin of Ward Surname: Where does the last name Ward originate from?
YourRoots data suggests that the surname Ward made its first appearance in historical records in England around the early 13th century. Please be aware that this refers only to the exact ‚"Ward" spelling as reflected in the YourRoots database and does not account for other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Ward: What does the Ward surname history look like in the early days?
The "Ward" surname remained strongly linked with England from the 13th through the 15th century as per YourRoots data. From the 16th century onwards, the volume of records of the Ward family increased notably in the United States. This suggests a significant spread of the surname beyond its initial geographical boundaries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Ward surname today?
The 17th century marked a noticeable shift in the frequency of the Ward surname, with the United States surpassing England. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the "Ward" surname is widespread across multiple countries. In addition to the United States and the United Kingdom, records of the surname can be found in various countries, reflecting its global spread.
Explore Ward last name heritage and Ward surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Ward Surame?
Maitland Ward
Ashley Maitland Welkos (Feb 3, 1977 - ) is an American actress known for roles in "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "Boy Meets World." She later transitioned to adult films, winning awards for performances in movies like "Drive" and "Muse."
Sela Ward
Sela Ann Ward (born Jul 11, 1956) is an American actress known for her roles in TV series like "Sisters," "Once and Again," "House," "CSI: NY," and "FBI." She has also appeared in films like "The Fugitive" and "Gone Girl."
Ward has won Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for her performances. She is recognized for her talent and versatility in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Rachel Ward
Rachel Claire Ward (born Sep 12, 1957) is an English-Australian actress, director, and screenwriter. She rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in "The Thorn Birds" and "Against All Odds". Ward has received Golden Globe nominations and won awards for her work in film and television.
Shayne Ward
Shayne Thomas Ward (born Oct 16, 1984) is an English singer and actor known for winning the second series of The X Factor. He released hit singles "That's My Goal" and "No Promises," as well as albums like "Shayne Ward" and "Breathless." Ward also appeared on TV's Coronation Street.
M. Ward
Matthew Stephen "M." Ward (October 4, 1973 - ) is an American singer-songwriter, Grammy-nominated producer, and guitarist known for his folk and blues-inspired music. Ward has released 10 studio albums, is part of indie pop duo She & Him, and has collaborated with various artists, showcasing his talent and versatility in the music industry.
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