Last Name Wolcott

The surname Wolcott is of English origin. It is derived from a place name, specifically from the village of Wolcott in Devon, England. The village name comes from Old English words "wulf" meaning "wolf" and "cot" meaning "cottage" or "shelter," therefore indicating a cottage or dwelling place associated with wolves. Over time, individuals residing in or near Wolcott adopted the name as a surname, which eventually spread to different regions. The surname Wolcott has been found in various English-speaking countries, including the United States, where it remains relatively common.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Wolcott

The meaning and origin of the last name Wolcott

The surname Wolcott has an English origin and is derived from the Old English name "Wulfcote", meaning "wolf cottage". The name is a combination of the elements "wulf" (wolf) and "cot" (cottage or dwelling), suggesting that early bearers of the name possibly resided in a place or settlement associated with wolves or a wolf-like appearance. The surname may have originally referred to a person living near a wolf den or a distinctive cottage, or it could have been used as a nickname for someone with wolf-like characteristics such as courage or fierceness. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name evolved to its current form, Wolcott. As families migrated and dispersed, the surname Wolcott spread across different regions, and today is found predominantly in the United States and England, with notable individuals carrying the name in various fields.

Geographical distribution of the last name Wolcott

The last name Wolcott is primarily found in the United States, with a concentration in the northeastern region of the country. This name has its origins in England, particularly in the county of Norfolk. The earliest record of the surname dates back to the 13th century. It is believed that the Wolcott family migrated to America in the early 17th century, with Henry Wolcott being one of the first members to settle in Connecticut. Over time, the name spread and became more widespread throughout the United States, especially in states like Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, and Vermont. Today, descendants of the Wolcott family can be found across the country, but the highest density still remains in the states of New England. The Wolcott name has made a lasting impact on American history and continues to be represented in various communities throughout the nation.

Variants and spellings of the last name Wolcott

The last name Wolcott has seen various spelling and regional variations over time. Some alternate spellings include Walcott, Wolcot, Woolcott, and Woolcot. These variations can be attributed to different pronunciations, dialects, and even clerical errors during record-keeping. Further variations can be found across different regions and countries. For example, in Scotland, the name may be spelled "Woolcott" or "Walcutt." In Ireland, the name may appear as "Walcot" or "Wolcott." Similarly, in Wales, it could be spelled "Woolcott" or "Walcott." Pronunciations can also vary based on factors such as regional accents or changes in language over time. Regardless of these spelling variations, the core meaning and origin of the name remain constant. It is derived from Old English elements, with "wulf" meaning "wolf" and "cot" referring to a cottage or shelter.

Famous people with the last name Wolcott

Oliver Wolcott Sr. was an American Founding Father who served during the Revolutionary War and as a governor of Connecticut. Known for his strong patriotic spirit, he signed the United States Declaration of Independence and later became a respected diplomat. His son, Oliver Wolcott Jr., followed in his father's footsteps and also signed the Declaration of Independence. He went on to serve as the Secretary of Treasury under President George Washington and was instrumental in establishing the United States Mint. Another notable figure with the last name Wolcott is Samuel Wolcott, a renowned American surgeon and professor. Recognized for his significant contributions to the medical field, Samuel Wolcott was one of the early advocates for surgical anesthesia, improving patient comfort and revolutionizing surgical practices. Through their various achievements, the Wolcott family has left an indelible mark on American history and medicine.

Genealogical research on the last name Wolcott

The last name Wolcott is of English origin and can be traced back to the medieval times. The earliest known records of the Wolcott family date back to the 13th century, with the surname being derived from the Old English words "wulf" meaning wolf, and "cott" meaning cottage or dwelling. It is believed that the family originated from the county of Devon in southwestern England. Over the centuries, the Wolcott family spread to various parts of England including Somerset and Suffolk. In the 17th century, a prominent branch of the Wolcott family migrated to North America, settling in Connecticut and becoming influential members of society. One of the most notable individuals with the Wolcott surname was Roger Wolcott, who served as the governor of Connecticut in the early 18th century. The Wolcott name continues to have descendants across the United States and has left a lasting legacy in American history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Wolcott"
• 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

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