The surname Wylde, Wild, or Wilde originates from an Old English word "wild" which means wild, uncultivated, or free. It was often used as a topographic name for someone who lived in a wood or a clearing in the woods. Another possible origin is a nickname for a merry or uncontrolled person, derived from the same Old English word. The surname can be found in various spellings across England and Ireland.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Wylde
The meaning and origin of the last name Wylde
The surname Wylde, also spelled Wild, Wilde, or Wylie, is of Old English origin. It is derived from the word "wilde," which means "wild" or "untamed." Originally, it was likely a topographic name for someone who lived in a wild or uncultivated area, or an occupational name for a gamekeeper or huntsman. Over time, the surname has been found in various regions across England and Scotland, with notable bearers including the Wylde family of Devon, known since the 13th century, and the Wildes of Dorset, who can trace their ancestry back to the 14th century. The name also gained notoriety through the literary figure Oscar Wilde, an Irish writer and poet, whose surname is a variant of the original English Wylde.
Geographical distribution of the last name Wylde
The surname Wylde, originating from Old English "wilde," meaning wild or wood, has a significant geographical distribution primarily in England, with high concentrations in counties such as Norfolk, Suffolk, and Lincolnshire, where it is thought to have emerged due to its association with the landscape. The name also spread to Scotland and Wales, and later to Ireland through English immigration. In modern times, the Wylde family name can be found in various parts of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, as well as in regions settled by British emigrants, such as North America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Variants and spellings of the last name Wylde
The surname Wylde exhibits several variations and spellings due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects. Some common variants include Wild, Wile, Wilde, Wyld, and Wyle. In the United States, Wild is the most frequently used spelling, while in England, Wilde or Wyld is more prevalent. Additionally, there are regional variations such as Wilder, Wilding, and Wilds in the U.S., and Wildey, Wyldewee, and Wyldewyn in England. Some less common variants include Wylie, Wylde-Fox, and Wildgoose. The spelling of this surname can be traced back to Old English origins, with "wild" meaning "wood" or "forest."
Famous people with the last name Wylde
Notable individuals with the surname Wylde include:
1. Zakk Wylde - An American musician, singer-songwriter, and producer, best known for being the guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, Black Label Society, and Pride & Glory.
2. Chris Wylde - A Canadian actor who has appeared in various films and television series such as "X-Men: The Last Stand", "Fringe", and "Catch-22".
3. Daisy Evelyn Wylde - An English actress, known for her roles in TV shows like "The Bill" and "Holby City". She has also worked in theatre and voice acting.
4. Billy Wylde - A British musician and singer-songwriter, who found success as a member of the indie rock band The Futureheads.
5. Marilyn Wylde - An American actress who made her mark with roles in movies like "The Great Raid" and TV shows such as "The Dukes of Hazzard".
These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including music, acting, and television.
Genealogical research on the last name Wylde
The surname Wylde is of Old English origin, derived from the word "wild," meaning wild, uncultivated, or uninhabited. It was initially used as a topographical name for someone who lived in a wild or wooded area or as an occupational name for a gamekeeper or forest ranger. The name is found throughout England, particularly in the counties of Suffolk and Yorkshire. Notable individuals with the surname Wylde include Sir Henry Wylde, a knight during the reign of King Edward III, and John Wylde, a prominent Puritan preacher in the 17th century. In America, early settlers bearing the name include Thomas Wylde, who arrived in Virginia in 1623, and John Wylde, who settled in Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1635.
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