The surname Wagala is believed to be of German origin. It is a variant of the original name "Wogel" or "Wogal". The name might have been derived from the Middle High German word "woge," meaning wave, or it could originate from a regional dialect where the "w" sound was pronounced as "v." As with many surnames, its exact origin can vary and may be specific to individual families. It's always recommended to consult genealogical resources for more accurate information regarding a particular family line.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Wagala
The meaning and origin of the last name Wagala
The surname Wagala is primarily associated with the Irish community. It is an anglicized form of several Gaelic names derived from the word "Baile", which means town or settlement, and various personal names such as "Áedh" (meaning fire), "Máel" (servant of God), "Fearghus" (rough or fierce), and "Cormac" (charioteer). The Gaelic patronymic naming system indicates that Wagala was originally a byname, meaning "son of", followed by one of the above-mentioned personal names. Over time, these bynames were Anglicized, leading to the emergence of surnames like Wagala.
Geographical distribution of the last name Wagala
The surname Wagala is predominantly found in East Africa, particularly among the Bantu-speaking communities in Uganda and Tanzania. It is a Patronymic name derived from the given name Waga, which means "power" or "authority" in various Bantu languages. The majority of individuals bearing this surname reside within these two countries, with significant concentrations in regions such as Busoga and Bugisu in Uganda and Tanga and Mtwara in Tanzania. There are also smaller communities with the Wagala surname in Kenya and Rwanda due to historical migrations and cultural exchanges between these neighboring countries.
Variants and spellings of the last name Wagala
The surname Wagala can be found with various spelling variations, some of which include Wagaala, Wahgala, Waghala, Waghalia, Waghela, and Waqala. These differences may arise due to factors such as regional dialects, transcription errors, or simply personal preferences in spelling. It is important to note that these variations share a common origin and are all related to the same name.
Famous people with the last name Wagala
Notable individuals bearing the surname Wagala include:
1. Charles Wagala (born 1934), Ugandan politician who served as Minister of Education and Sports from 2006 to 2011.
2. John Wagala (1937-2021), Ugandan army officer and politician, who served as Minister of Defense from 1985 to 1986 and later Vice President from 1986 until his resignation in 1993.
3. Francis Wagala (born 1970), a Kenyan professional soccer player, who played as a defender for several clubs including AFC Leopards and Gor Mahia.
4. Agnes Wagala, a Ugandan women's rights activist, who co-founded the organization Forum for Women in Democracy (FOWODE).
5. Hilda Wagala, a Ugandan politician, who served as Woman Member of Parliament for Kitgum District from 2011 to 2016.
Genealogical research on the last name Wagala
The surname Wagala is primarily associated with the Ganda ethnic group in Uganda, originating from the Buganda Kingdom. The name can be traced back to the 19th century during the reign of Kabaka Muteesa I (ruled 1856-1884). The name Wagala is derived from a place or clan called 'Wagala' within Buganda, which was named after its chief, Mugabe Wagala. Over time, the name evolved into a patronymic surname, with descendants of Mugabe Wagala adopting the name. The name spread beyond Buganda as a result of migrations and the expansion of the kingdom's influence. Today, the Wagala surname can be found not only in Uganda but also among diaspora communities worldwide.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
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