Surname Wyatt - Meaning and Origin

Unraveling the Genetic Story of the Wyatt Surname Through iGENEA DNA Test

Conducting the iGENEA DNA test offered a fascinating exploration into the genealogical background of my family name, Wyatt. The findings unraveled a deep connection with Northern Europe, specifically United Kingdom and Germany, and even traced back to ancient European history showcasing involvement in the expansive Neolithic migration. Furthermore, the surname's association with builders or masons and its dispersion globally in places like America and Australia was also revealed.

S. Wyatt

Wyatt: What does the surname Wyatt mean?

The surname Wyatt is of Old English origin. It is derived from the medieval personal name "Wigheard", composed of the elements "wig" meaning "war" and "heard" meaning "hardy", "brave" or "strong". Therefore, Wyatt essentially means "brave in war" or "hardy in battle". Over time, Wigheard evolved into various forms like Wyat and Wiot before becoming Wyatt. It was first used as a surname in England during the Middle Ages, specifically around the Norman Conquest.

The name Wyatt became a prominent surname in several English counties, including Kent, Hampshire and Sussex. It is most well-known due to Sir Thomas Wyatt, the 16th-century courtier and poet, and also Wyatt Earp, the famous American lawman of the Old West. After the mass migrations from Europe to America, the name Wyatt spread to the New World and it has since remained common in nations of English-speaking heritage. It has also seen a rise in popularity as a given name in recent years. As it is with the meaning of many surnames, the above explanation presents an interpretation and specific historical context rather than an absolute, universally-applicable definition.

Wyatt: Where does the name Wyatt come from?

The last name Wyatt is most commonly found in the United Kingdom and the United States.

In the United Kingdom, the name Wyatt is especially popular in the county of Derbyshire. In 2001, it was the nine hundredth most common name in Derbyshire, with 1,600 recorded individuals. It is also found in Hampshire, where it was the eight hundredth most common name that same year, with 1,929 registered individuals.

In the United States, the Wyatt surname is the four hundred and twenty-first most commonly occurring name, with 855,037 records as of the 2000 Census. Particularly, it is found most frequently in Texas, where it is the eighty-second most popular name. Other states where it is found frequently include Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia and California.

Although the Wyatt surname is British in origin, it is believed to pre-date the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. It is derived from the Old English personal name of Wyot, which is made of two elements: wig (battle) and had (hat).

Variations of the surname Wyatt

The surname Wyatt has multiple variants and spellings depending on geographical location. Common variants and spellings include Wyat, Wiat, Wyett, Wiatt, Wyot, Wyotts, Wiattes, Wiotte, Wyotte, and Wight.

The surname is an anglicized version of the French surname 'Wyet'. It is derived from the German 'Wido', which means 'wood'. A connection between the two surnames is thought to be via the Normans, who migrated to England after 1066.

The Wyatt surname is thought to have originated from England. It derived from the Anglo-Saxon lands of Suffolk and Essex. The main popularity of the surname exists in Cornwall, and it is thought that this is in relation to the substantial Cornish emigration to Virginia in the 1600s.

In Scotland, the surname is very rare and is thought to have originated from the Anglicization of the Gaelic 'Mac ant-Saoir' which translates to 'son of the craftsman'.

The Americanized version of Wyatt is identified as Wight. The surname is thought to have originated in the states of Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

There are many variations and spellings of the Wyatt surname across the world, whether it be from England, Scotland, France or even America. Its various forms such as Wyat, Wiat, Wyett, Wiatt, Wyot, Wyotts, Wiattes, Wiotte, Wyotte and Wight entwine its remarkable history and its evolution into an iconic surname.

Famous people with the name Wyatt

• Tom Wyatt: American film producer, actor and playwright.
• Matt Wyatt: American former professional baseball pitcher.
• Angela Wyatt: American actress.
• Dennis Wyatt: American politician.
• Sam Wyatt: English actor.
• Sylvester Wyatt: English keyboardist and singer.
• Thomas Wyatt: 16th-century English courtier and poet.
• Woodrow Wyatt: British journalist, politician and author.
• Ziggy Wyatt: Former professional rugby league footballer.
• Jacky Wyatt: American actor.
• Richard Wyatt: American illustrator and animator.
• Pete Wyatt: Former professional football manager in Scotland.
• Zeb Wyatt, Jr.: American politician and businessman.
• Jamie Wyatt: American country artist.
• Joe Wyatt: American football player.
• Teddy Wyatt: American jazz trumpeter.
• Victoria Wyatt: American director, actress and producer.
• Lorne Wyatt: Canadian Liberal politician.
• William Wyatt: British architect of the 18th century.
• Greg Wyatt: American sculptor.

Other surnames

Wa'ilWaagWaageWaagemannsWaagemeesterWaagenerWaagmannWaagmeesterWaagnerWaalkensWaalkesWaaserWaasmaierWaasmeierWaasnerWaatsackWabbalsWabbelWabbelsWabelsWaberWäberWacaserWacasterWachaufWachenschwanzWachmannWachmeisterWachob