Last Name Wages

The surname Wages is of German origin, specifically from the Rhineland region. It is derived from the Middle High German "wage" meaning "payment," referring to a person who was paid for their services or a farmer who received his wages in produce instead of money. In some cases, it may also be a nickname for someone considered generous or bountiful. As with many surnames, its spelling and pronunciation have varied over time and across regions.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wages

The meaning and origin of the last name Wages

The surname Wages is believed to have origins rooted in several different cultures, making its exact origin difficult to pinpoint with certainty. One possible derivation comes from the Old German name "Wahs," meaning "awake" or "watchful." This name was often Anglicized as Wage(s) during the Middle Ages, when many Germans immigrated to England. Another theory suggests that the surname may have originated from a nickname for a watchman or someone who kept awake during long journeys, derived from the Middle English "wages" meaning "awake." Regardless of its specific origins, the Wages surname is relatively uncommon and can be found in various regions worldwide, particularly among Germanic and Anglo-Saxon populations.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wages

The surname Wages is predominantly found in German-speaking regions and Scandinavia due to its origins from Old High German "Wag" or Old Norse "Veggr" meaning 'guard' or 'defender'. Variations such as Waage, Waagen, and Waas are also common. The name spread to other parts of Europe during the medieval period through migration and crusades. In the United States, the name gained significant presence due to immigration waves from Germany in the 19th century and later from Scandinavia. Today, the highest concentrations of the Wages surname can be found in these regions, as well as in the Midwest and Northeast of the United States. However, it is distributed globally, with a notable presence in countries such as Canada, Australia, and South Africa, due to further migration and diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wages

The surname Wages has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and transliteration over time. Some of these variants include: Wagis, Wage, Waggis, Waggys, Wagesse, and Wahges. These variations may appear in different regions or be influenced by local dialects or phonetic interpretations. In genealogical research, it is important to consider these variations when searching for ancestors with the name Wages. Additionally, it should be noted that some families may have altered their surname over time due to factors such as immigration, assimilation, or personal preference, further contributing to the diversity of spellings associated with this name.

Famous people with the last name Wages

Notable individuals with the surname Wages include:

1. Richard D. Waguespack - A former Justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court, serving from 2003 to 2018. He was born in Louisiana and graduated from Tulane University Law School.

2. George W. Wahgoo Wages - An American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana's 9th congressional district from 1937 to 1943. He was born in Iowa but moved to Indiana during his youth.

3. Jim Wagers - An American professional basketball coach and former player, best known for his coaching career at the University of Rhode Island. He led the Rams to three NCAA Tournaments between 1982 and 1987.

4. Mick Wadsworth (born Wages) - A British football coach and former player, who had a successful managerial career in the lower leagues of English football. He is perhaps best known for his spell at Bradford City during which he led them to promotion to the Championship in 2017.

5. Lamar Wages - An American college basketball coach, currently serving as an assistant coach for the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team. Prior to this, he served as a head coach at North Carolina Central University and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

Genealogical research on the last name Wages

The surname Wages originates from Old French and Germanic roots, specifically "Wachs" or "Wac" meaning 'watchful' or 'awake'. Early records show that the name was brought to England during the Norman Conquest in 1066 by a Norman knight named Roger le Wachez. Over time, variations of the name emerged due to spelling discrepancies and migration patterns, including Wachs, Watch, Wacha, and Wages.

In America, the Wages family is believed to have originated from Cornwall, England. The first recorded immigrant was John Wages who arrived in Virginia in 1624. Other early settlers include John Wages who settled in Maryland in 1667 and Thomas Wages who landed in Virginia in 1650.

The family later spread across the United States, with significant concentrations in states like Kentucky, Ohio, and Missouri due to migrations during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Notable individuals bearing the name include John Wages, a Union soldier who fought in the American Civil War, and Robert Wages, a professional football player who played for several teams in the National Football League (NFL).

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wages"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
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.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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