Last Name Waller

The last name "Waller" has multiple potential origins. 1) Occupational: It could be derived from the Middle English word "walle," meaning "wall," and originally used to describe someone who constructed or repaired walls. 2) Locational: It might be derived from a place name, "Waller," which was derived from the Old English word "weallere," meaning a dweller by the wall or a resident near a wall. 3) Toponymic: It may have originated from someone who lived near a prominent wall or an ancient fortification. 4) Anglo-Norman: "Waller" could be derived from "le Waller," indicating a Norman origin and indicating someone who was a foreigner from Gaul or Northern France. It is important to note that last names can have multiple origins and different individuals or families with the same last name may have adopted it independently for various reasons.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Waller

The meaning and origin of the last name Waller

The surname Waller is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English word "weallere," which means "a wall builder." This occupational surname was usually given to individuals who were involved in constructing and maintaining walls or fortifications. The tasks of a wall builder typically required knowledge and skill in masonry and architecture. As a result, this surname can be associated with people who were skilled craftsmen in medieval times. Over time, the name Waller spread throughout England and other English-speaking regions.

Variations of the surname Waller can be found across different countries, such as Germany and France. It is not uncommon for surnames to have multiple variations and spellings as they traveled across borders and generations. Today, individuals with the surname Waller can be found in various parts of the world, and their descendants continue to carry on this ancient occupational name.

Geographical distribution of the last name Waller

The last name Waller is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States and England. In the United States, Waller is most prevalent in the southern states, especially in Texas, Alabama, and Georgia. This can be attributed to the historical migration patterns of settlers from England and Scotland to the southern regions of the United States. In England, Waller is widespread, particularly in the southeastern counties, such as Kent and Sussex. Additionally, there are notable concentrations of Waller families in Australia and Canada, where British immigrants settled and established communities. Overall, the geographical distribution of the last name Waller reflects the historical migration patterns of individuals and families with English heritage, particularly in regions with a strong colonial or settler history.

Variants and spellings of the last name Waller

The last name Waller and its variations have been recorded with diverse spellings throughout history. Some common variations include Waler, Walar, Wallir, Wallar, Woller, Walor, and Vallar, among others. These variations occur due to multiple influences, such as regional dialects, phonetic changes, and clerical errors during record-keeping. For instance, those who migrated to different countries often anglicized or modified their surnames to match local pronunciations or linguistic conventions. Additionally, variations can stem from historical factors such as the Great Vowel Shift that occurred in the English language during the 15th to 18th centuries, leading to pronunciation changes and spelling discrepancies. The Waller surname is of English origin, derived from a Middle English word meaning "a foreigner" or "a stranger." Over time, migrations, assimilation, and the evolution of language have contributed to the diverse range of spellings observed today.

Famous people with the last name Waller

Famous people with the last name Waller include notable individuals from various fields. Thomas "Fats" Waller, an iconic jazz pianist, musician, and composer, was a prominent figure during the Harlem Renaissance. Known for his virtuosic skills and lively performances, Fats Waller created timeless jazz standards such as "Ain't Misbehavin'" and "Honeysuckle Rose." Other well-known individuals with the last name Waller include political figures such as Héctor Wallerstein and Anne Waller, who have made significant contributions to their respective countries. In the realm of sports, Marques Waller, a professional basketball player, has played for various teams in the United States and overseas. Lastly, in the worlds of literature and academia, Bryan Waller Procter, known by his pseudonym Barry Cornwall, was a poet and dramatist in the early 19th century, while Billy Waller, an esteemed professor, has made significant contributions in the field of law. These individuals have left a lasting impact, carving their names into history.

Genealogical research on the last name Waller

The Waller surname has a rich and varied genealogical history. Research shows that this surname originated in England, and has a Norman-French origin. Some theories suggest that it may have derived from the Old Norse word "valr," which means "slayer" or "dead man." The Waller family can trace their lineage back to William de Valonis, who was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as holding lands in various English counties. Over time, the surname evolved into Waller, and numerous notable individuals bearing this name have emerged throughout history. One such figure is Edmund Waller, a renowned English poet and politician during the 17th century. The Waller surname also made its way to the United States, with early settlers in Virginia and North Carolina. Today, people with the surname Waller can be found all around the world, with a strong presence in English-speaking countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Waller"
• 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 : 11 April 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends