How common is the Waldo surname?

There are approximately 3,000 people with the surname Waldo in the United States.

Are there Waldo soldiers in Civil War records?

Yes, 300 soldiers with the Waldo surname appear in Civil War records.

Waldo

Q: What does the surname Waldo mean?

The surname Waldo means "A ruler or powerful person, particularly one associated with forests or authority.". It is of Germanic origin.

Patronymic

Meaning

A ruler or powerful person, particularly one associated with forests or authority.

Etymology

From Old High German 'waltan' (to rule, govern) or 'wald' (forest), with the suffix '-o' common in Germanic personal names. It evolved from a given name to a hereditary surname.

About the Waldo Surname

Originally a Germanic given name that became hereditary as a surname, indicating descent from someone named Waldo. The name carries connotations of power and governance in its etymological roots.

Distribution & Frequency

Estimated 3,000 bearers in the United States #2,235 most common surname

Rare Common

Found throughout Germanic regions and Scandinavia, with modern presence in North America.

Waldo Surname Distribution

Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.

Fewer

People with the Waldo Surname

R. Waldo

Colonel

Quick Facts

Origin: Germanic
Classification: Patronymic
Earliest Record: Medieval Germanic records, 11th-12th century
Estimated Bearers: 3,000

War Records

300 soldiers with the Waldo surname found in Civil War records.

Search war records →