Surname Waddle - Meaning and Origin
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Waddle: What does the surname Waddle mean?
The last name Waddle is of Anglo-Saxon origin, primarily found in the region of Yorkshire in England. The word 'waddle' means to walk unsteadily with short steps and a side-to-side motion, typically used in reference to the gait of a duck or a penguin. However, it is unlikely that the surname was derived from this meaning.
Historically, surnames often indicated an individual's occupation, geographic location, or father's name, which were used to distinguish between people with the same personal names. In the case of Waddle, it is most likely an occupational surname suggesting that the original bearers may have been involved in specific trades or professions. Research suggests that the surname Waddle may be derived from the Old English term "wad", which means "woad". Woad is a plant used to produce a blue dye, hence, it is possible that the ancestors of the modern Waddle family were involved in the trade or production of woad.
Nevertheless, the exact origin and meaning of the surname in historical contexts is often subject to speculation and interpretation, as surnames underwent various spellings, evolutions, and adaptations over generations. As such, the meaning of the surname Waddle may have other interpretations not covered here.
Order DNA origin analysisWaddle: Where does the name Waddle come from?
Waddle is an English surname that remains common today, particularly in the United States. Most Waddle families began entering America in the early 19th century, with the earliest documented arrival being in 1819. At that time, Waddles were primarily found in Canada, Britain, and Ireland.
Today, those with the Waddle surname are still primarily found in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and South. According to the 2019 United States Census Bureau, the top three states with the highest concentrations of Waddle households are South Carolina (2,707 households), Tennessee (1,453 households), and Indiana (1,294 households).
The Waddle family originally hails from England and is of Anglo-Saxon descent. Those with the surname are believed to have originally held a trade, such as shoemakers or butchers, which is reflected in the literal meaning of the family name—‘a worker in leather’ or ‘dabbler’.
The Waddle family was among the earliest settlers in America, with the first record of entry into US soil being in 1819. Despite so many generations having passed, the Waddle family is still present in great numbers in the US.
Variations of the surname Waddle
The surname Waddle has a number of variants, spellings and surnames of the same origin. The most common variant spellings are Waddel, Waddell, Waddill, Wadel, Wadle, and Wadill. Other variant spellings include Wadhul, Wadish, Waidle, Waidel, Wailde, Waudel, Wauldel, Waudell, and Waudele.
The surname Waddle is derived from an old Germanic personal name Wadelo. This name is a combination of two elements, "wad" meaning "to go" and "helm" meaning "covered in armor". This name was used to denote somebody who was strong and brave. The surname is also derived from the Middle English words "wadle" or "wadele" which mean "to wander".
Variant surnames of Waddle include Waddell, Wadi, Wadiya, Wadleigh, Wadlow, Wadsley, Wadslow, Wadsworth, Waduk, Wadwell, Wadell, and Wadling. These variant names can be traced back to two main sources: one is a nickname derived from the Germanic "wadel" meaning mad, and the second is a middle English word "wadle" or "wadele" meaning wander.
The surname Waddle is also found in Scotland where it was derived from the earlier Scottish name of "Wattel". This Scottish version is thought to come from the pre-7th century English personal name "Wattel". This name is thought to have derived from the Olde English pre-7th century personal name "Wat."
Overall, the surname Waddle has a number of variant spellings, surnames and spellings of the same origin. These range from Germanic and Middle English sources, and some have their roots in Scotland.
Famous people with the name Waddle
- Virginia Waddle: Virginia Waddle is an American television actress. She is best known for her appearances in Nickelodeon shows such as All That, Welcome Freshmen, and Kenan & Kel.
- Tom Waddle: Tom Waddle is a former American football player. He played college football at the University of Illinois, and went on to play in the NFL for the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots.
- Lisa Waddle: Lisa Waddle is an American businesswoman and entrepreneur. She is the former president and CEO of the global American clothing company, GIII Apparel Group, Inc.
- Emily Waddle: Emily Waddle is an American entrepreneur and venture capitalist. She is the co-founder of the venture capital firm, Waddle & Associates, and the co-founder and CEO of the venture capital firm Flyover Capital.
- Amy Waddle: Amy Waddle is an American singer-songwriter. She has released several albums and performed in various supporting, backing, and writing roles for musical acts such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bethany Joy Galeotti, and Search Parties.
- Bill Waddle: Bill Waddle is an American professional golfer. He has achieved 11 professional victories on the US PGA Tour, with one of them being the 2003 PGA Championship.
- Richard Waddle: Richard Waddle is an English composer and record producer. He is best known for his collaboration with Anna Calvi for her debut album and soundtrack compositions for the films, Crush and The Falling.
- Valerie Waddle: Valerie Waddle is an American farmer and agricultural sector leader. She is the president of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, the US state's largest agricultural trade organization.
- Melissa Waddle: Melissa Waddle is an American writer and author. She has written several books, including her two latest novels, Cyclone and The Other Side of Then.