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Last Name Wingo

What is the origin of the last name Wingo?

The surname "Wingo" is of English origin. It is believed to be a topographic name for someone who lived near a cleft or sharp bend, deriving from the Old English word "winn," meaning a narrow valley or pass. Alternatively, it could be a habitational name for someone from Winkhill, a place in Staffordshire, England. Over time, variations of the name may have developed due to regional accents and dialects.

origin of the last name Wingo

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wingo

The meaning and origin of the last name Wingo

The surname Wingo is of English origin and has multiple possible meanings. It is a variant of the surname Wing, which derived from the Old English word "winn," meaning to win or conquer, and could have been a nickname for a successful warrior or an occupational name for someone involved in the military. Another possible origin is from the Old Norse word "Vingulfr," meaning "friend of battle." The surname Wingo could have also originated as a locational name from places called Wing, found in counties like Buckinghamshire and Rutland in England. In this sense, the name would signify someone who lived near or was from Wing. Variations of this surname can be found across the United States, with a notable concentration in the southern states. Over time, different branches of the family may have adopted the Wingo spelling, while others may have retained alternative versions, such as Wing or Vingol.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wingo

The last name Wingo is primarily found in the United States, with a concentration in the southern regions of the country. It is believed to have originated as a surname of Anglo-Saxon or English origin. Within the United States, the highest population of individuals with the surname Wingo can be found in the states of Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and California. These areas have historically had a significant presence of Wingo families, potentially tracing back to early settlers or immigrants who carried the name. While the surname Wingo is not as prevalent as some other common surnames, it is still relatively widespread across the United States and can be found in various other states as well. Furthermore, there may be a smaller number of individuals with the Wingo surname residing in other countries, though the majority of the distribution remains within the United States.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wingo

The last name Wingo can have various alternate spellings and variations, which have evolved over time due to factors such as immigration, regional accents, or personal preference. Some of these variations include Wingoe, Wengoe, Wengow, Winggow, Wingohe, Wingow, Wingoo, and Wingoe. These alternate spellings often occur when individuals or families migrate to different countries or regions, where local phonetics or writing systems influence the adaptation of their surnames. Furthermore, regional dialects and accents can also contribute to variations in the pronunciation and spelling of the last name Wingo. For instance, in certain regions, the "ng" sound may be emphasized differently, leading to spellings like Winggo or Wenjo. Additionally, individuals may choose to modify their surname's spelling to make it more unique or appealing, resulting in further variations such as Wyngho or Winjo. Overall, the last name Wingo displays a range of alternate spellings and variations, reflecting the diversity and adaptability of family names throughout history.

Famous people with the last name Wingo

The Wingo surname is not particularly well-known among famous individuals, but there are a few notable personalities who bear this last name. One such figure is Tory Wingo, an accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder of 500 Startups, a prominent venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. Tory Wingo has made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem, particularly in the fields of technology, marketing, and growth. Another individual with the last name Wingo is James Wingo, a former professional American football player who played as a linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1980s. While the Wingo name may not be as widely recognized as others, these individuals have managed to leave their mark in their respective fields and contribute to their respective industries.

Genealogical research on the last name Wingo

The genealogical research on the last name Wingo traces its origins to England. The surname Wingo is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the Old English word "winnian," meaning "to fight" or "to conquer." It is believed that early bearers of the Wingo name were either warriors or individuals who had achieved victory in battles. The surname Wingo has been found in various regions in England, primarily in Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, and Norfolk. Over time, some members of the Wingo family migrated to the United States, particularly to the southern states. Today, the Wingo surname is relatively rare, but there are still individuals with this surname residing in different parts of the United States, and concerted genealogical efforts can help establish connections between various branches of the Wingo family tree.

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