Wright Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wright come from? What does the surname Wright mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wright and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Cartwright, McWright, Right, Wrightman, Wrights, Wrightsman, Wrightson
Surname Wright Origin: What does the last name Wright mean?
The surname Wright is an occupational name with roots in England and Scotland. It originated from the Old English word 'wryhta' or 'wyrhta', meaning worker or shaper of wood. Over time, it evolved to encompass various occupational workers, such as shipwrights, wheelwrights, and playwrights. As of 2014, Wright was the eleventh most common surname in England.
YourRoots data shows that the Wright surname has been present in the United Kingdom since the early 14th century. It spread to the United States in the 16th century and has since become widespread, particularly among individuals of English, Scottish, and Irish descent. Today, the Wright surname can be found in countries worldwide, indicating its global distribution and enduring legacy in various cultures and regions.
Wright Last Name History: Where did the last name Wright come from?
Origin of Wright Surname: Where does the last name Wright originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Wright first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 14th century. Please note that this reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Wright” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Wright: What does the Wright surname history look like in the early days?
The “Wright” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 14th through the 15th century. The onset of the 16th century saw a considerable volume of Wright family records appearing in the United States, indicating the beginning of its spread across the Atlantic.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wright surname today?
By the 17th century, the volume of records with the Wright surname had grown significantly in the United States, surpassing its frequency in the United Kingdom. This trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries, solidifying the United States as a significant hub for the Wright surname. Today, the “Wright” surname remains prominent in the United States but can also be found in many other countries across the globe, reflecting its widespread distribution over the centuries.
Explore Wright last name heritage and Wright surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Wright Surame?
Robin Wright
Robin Gayle Wright (April 8, 1966 - present) is an American actress known for her role as Claire Underwood in the Netflix series House of Cards. She has won a Golden Globe Award and received multiple Primetime Emmy nominations for her performances in various films and TV shows.
Jeffrey Wright
Jeffrey Wright (Dec 7, 1965 - ) is an award-winning American actor known for his roles in various films and TV series. He has appeared in franchises like James Bond and The Hunger Games, as well as in popular shows like Westworld and Boardwalk Empire. Wright has received critical acclaim for his versatile performances.
Teresa Wright
Muriel Teresa Wright (Oct 27, 1918 - Mar 6, 2005) was a talented American actress known for her Academy Award-winning performances in "Mrs. Miniver" and nominations for "The Little Foxes" and "The Pride of the Yankees." She also starred in Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt" and Wyler's "The Best Years of Our Lives."
Isaac Hempstead Wright
Isaac Hempstead Wright (Apr 9, 1999 - ) is a British actor best known for his role as Bran Stark in the hit HBO series Game of Thrones. He has also appeared in films like The Boxtrolls and is set to star in upcoming projects like Voyagers. Off-screen, he studies neuroscience and supports humanist causes.
Samuel E. Wright
Samuel Ernest Wright (Nov 20, 1946 - May 24, 2021) was an American actor best known as the voice of Sebastian in Disney's The Little Mermaid. He also played Mufasa in the Broadway production of The Lion King and portrayed Dizzy Gillespie in the film Bird.
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