Surname Wash - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'W'
Wash: What does the surname Wash mean?
The origin of the last name Wash is largely uncertain, but several theories offer speculation as to its origin. One theory is that it could be related to “wasser” from the Middle English word “waschen,” which means “to wash.” This implies that the name was originally given to someone who worked with water, likely as a laundryman or bathsman. Another theory suggests there could be linkages to swamps or areas closer to a water source.
According to documents from England, the name Wash dates back to the 12th century. Since then, it has been found in different parts of the world, like the United States, Canada, Germany, and Denmark. This suggests that it may have been adapted from a name carried by German immigrants to these countries.
In modern times, the Wash surname is most associated with the state of Washington; due to the popularity of President George Washington, many businesses, cities and towns adopted the name.
Overall, the Wash surname seems to have a few possible origins, all of which are related to water. The prevalence of the name has endured for centuries and continues to be seen in countries around the world.
Order DNA origin analysisWash: Where does the name Wash come from?
The last name Wash is most commonly found in the United States, although it can be found in other countries outside of the US. Its highest concentration is in the northern states, and it is mainly of English origin. The estimated population of the Wash surname in the US is approximately 17,000, with the five states with the highest concentrations being North Dakota, New Jersey, Washington, California, and Oregon.
The Wash surname is most likely derived from the Old English wæsse, meaning "brook, stream, water meadow". It was an occupational name for somebody who worked either by watering the land or tending fish, and was likely most commonly held by people who lived near a body of water. Such occupations were both agreement and practical for the time, and so it is now a common name.
The Wash name is also an important part of the history of Native Americans in the United States, with a number of Wash bands being a part of factions of the Choctaw Nation, living mainly in Oklahoma and its surrounding areas. The Wash surname is borne by many Native Americans today, being the most common in primarily Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Texas.
Overall, the surname Wash is quite common in the US, with a scattered presence in Europe and other countries. It is thought to have come from the Old English occupation of stream worker, and is borne by a number of both non-Native and Native Americans today.
Variations of the surname Wash
The surname Wash is derived from the Old English words “wæsc” or “wasce,” meaning “a washerman,” “a fuller of cloth,” or “a bleacher of linen.” It is believed to have first appeared in England as a topographic name for someone who lived near a washing pool or a stream where clothes were washed.
Variants of the surname Wash include Wass, Wasse, and Wase. Common spellings of the surname Wash include Washe, Wash, Wasshe, and Wosh. Alternative spellings of the surname Wash in other languages and countries include Wasche (German); Waschek (Czech); Waschko (Slovak); Vasko (Croatian); Vass, Vash (Russian); Vass (Hungarian); Vasa (Romanian); Vacho, Vysh (Ukrainian); Wasi (Bengali); and Vash (Hindi).
Variants and surnames of the same origin as Wash include Washer, Washerman, Washerwoman, and Wasterer. Other variants of the surname include Washam, Washburn, Washenden, Washenson, Washerson, Washery, Washewright, and Washford. Common surnames with similar spellings or origins include Weiss, Whit, White, Whyte, Wight, and Wyatt.
Famous people with the name Wash
- Willa Wash, an African-American actress, best known for her role as Nurse Lamar on the show ER.
- Michael Wash, an American actor who had a supporting role in the 2004 feature film The Manchurian Candidate.
- Abner Washburn, comedian best-known for routine about Adam and Eve.
- Rebecca Wash, R&B/soul artist from North Carolina.
- Jalen Wash, professional Harlem Globetrotter for the past three years.
- Jeff Wash, American Bass Guitarist, best known for his work with the String Cheese Incident.
- Issac Wash, a former English footballer who played for Watford in the 1980s.
- William Wash, South Carolina educator known for introducing the concept of cooperative learning.
- Charlee Wash, professional dancer and choreographer.
- Lillian Wash, 19th-century Desert Storm veteran who was the first woman to earn a "Congressional Medal of Honor" certification.