Wardlaw Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wardlaw come from? What does the surname Wardlaw mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wardlaw and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wardlaw Origin: What does the last name Wardlaw mean?
Wardlaw is a Scottish surname with origins dating back to the 13th century. It loosely translates to "watcher of the hill," indicating a connection to the Scottish highlands where the original Wardlaws resided. The name Wardlaw is derived from the old English combination of "watch" and "mound hill," reflecting a strong association with the land and its landscapes.
YourRoots data confirms the presence of the Wardlaw surname in Scotland since the early 13th century. Over the centuries, the name has spread to countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, showcasing its global reach and continued significance in various regions. The surname Wardlaw carries a sense of familial strength and tradition, embodying a rich history that has transcended time and borders.
Wardlaw Last Name History: Where did the last name Wardlaw come from?
Origin of Wardlaw Surname: Where does the last name Wardlaw originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wardlaw first appeared in records from Scotland around the early 13th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact Wardlaw spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wardlaw: What does the Wardlaw surname history look like in the early days?
The Wardlaw surname remained closely associated with Scotland from the 13th to 17th centuries. YourRoots data also shows Wardlaw family records in countries like the United States, indicating global spread over the centuries.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wardlaw surname today?
By the 20th century, the volume of records with the Wardlaw surname grew significantly in the United States. The Wardlaw surname remains prominent in the United States. It appears in many countries, including Scotland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Explore Wardlaw last name heritage and Wardlaw surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wardlaw Surame?
Kim McLane Wardlaw
Kim Anita McLane Wardlaw (July 2, 1954 - present) is an American lawyer and jurist known for being the first Hispanic American woman appointed to a federal appeals court. Serving on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit since 1998, Wardlaw has made notable rulings in cases like Jones v. City of Los Angeles and Redding v. Safford Unified School District. With a background in political campaigning and a strong legal career, she has been a trailblazer in the judiciary, earning recognition for her contributions to the legal field.
Henry Wardlaw
Henry Wardlaw (died 6 Apr 1440) was a Scottish church leader, Bishop of St Andrews, and founder of the University of St Andrews. He played a key role in restoring the cathedral at St Andrews and acted as a tutor to King James I of Scotland. Wardlaw also founded the University of St Andrews, the first university in Scotland, with a mission to resist heresy. Despite some controversial events during his episcopate, he is remembered for his contributions to education and religion in Scotland.
Jesse Wardlaw
Jesse Tawhiao-Wardlaw (January 13, 2000 - ) is an Australian rules footballer known for her impressive career in the AFL Women's competition. Starting with Brisbane in 2019, Wardlaw quickly made a name for herself as a key forward, leading the team in goalkicking and winning the AFL Women's leading goalkicker award in season seven. Born in New Zealand to Māori parents, she migrated to Australia at a young age and excelled in various sports before finding her passion for Australian rules football. Now playing for St Kilda, Wardlaw continues to showcase her talent and inspire young athletes across the country.
Walter Wardlaw
Walter Wardlaw (died c.‚Äâ1387) was a 14th-century bishop of Glasgow in Scotland. Before becoming bishop, he held various positions in the church, including being a canon of Glasgow and archdeacon of Lothian. Pope Urban V appointed him as Bishop of Glasgow in 1367, and later made him a cardinal priest during the Western Schism. Wardlaw was known for his diplomatic skills, representing Scotland in negotiations with England. He was also a patron to his nephew, Henry Wardlaw, who later became Bishop of St Andrews. Walter Wardlaw passed away around September 1387.
Joanna Wardlaw
Joanna Marguerite Wardlaw (born 4 Nov 1958) is a Scottish physician, radiologist, and academic specializing in neuroradiology. She has dedicated her career to studying brain blood vessel diseases and neuroimaging, focusing on strokes and small vessel diseases. Wardlaw has received numerous awards for her contributions to the field, including being appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to neuroimaging and clinical science. As a professor at the University of Edinburgh, she has made significant advancements in imaging techniques and treatment options for acute ischaemic stroke. Wardlaw's research continues to impact the medical community and improve patient outcomes.
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