Wagstaff

Occupational

Meaning

A surname derived from an occupational term for someone who carried a wag or staff.

Etymology

Derives from Old English 'wægstæf', combining 'wæg' (wag, movement) and 'stæf' (staff). This likely referred to a person who carried a staff or wand, possibly a herald or official.

About the Wagstaff Surname

Wagstaff is an English occupational surname with medieval origins. The name indicates a person of some official standing who carried a staff or wand.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 2,500 bearers in the United States #2,566 most common surname
Rare Common

Found primarily in England, with some presence in English-speaking countries.

Wagstaff Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer
More

Notable Bearers

People with the Wagstaff Surname