How common is the Wait surname?

There are approximately 3,500 people with the surname Wait in the United States.

Are there Wait soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 675 soldiers with the Wait surname appear in Civil War records.

Wait

Q: What does the surname Wait mean?

The surname Wait means "A surname derived from an occupational term for a watchman or guard.". It is of English origin.

Occupational

Meaning

A surname derived from an occupational term for a watchman or guard.

Etymology

Derives from Old English 'wægit' or Old French 'waite', referring to a watchman or guard who kept watch. The term was used for town guards or sentries.

About the Wait Surname

Wait is an English occupational surname with medieval origins. The name originally denoted a person employed as a watchman or guard.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 3,500 bearers in the United States #2,086 most common surname

Rare Common

Found in England and English-speaking countries, with some concentration in southern England.

Wait Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Wait Surname

John Turner Wait

Hon.

Quick Facts

Origin: English
Classification: Occupational
Earliest Record: 12th century
Estimated Bearers: 3,500

War Records

675 soldiers with the Wait surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →