Surname Wayland - Meaning and Origin
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Wayland: What does the surname Wayland mean?
The last name Wayland has several potential origins. It is an English name, derived from a location in Bedfordshire, England, called Wayland Wood. Wayland Wood was named after the mythological figure Wayland the Smith. Wayland was said to be a master craftsman who had magical powers. He was known for creating client-specific items for kings and queens. This origin has led some people to believe that the name Wayland means "craftsman."
Another possible origin of the name Wayland is that it is derived from the Anglo-Saxon name Wieland. This name was given to someone who lived in or owned meadows and pastures. This is believed to come from the Old English word for meadow, which was waelland. Therefore, some people think that the name Wayland means "meadow inhabitant."
Finally, it is possible that the name Wayland was derived from two personal names, Walla and Land. This name could also mean "land of the Englishman."
Overall, the last name Wayland can have multiple meanings. With origins in places and mythologies, it can mean "craftsman," "meadow inhabitant," or "land of the Englishman."
Order DNA origin analysisWayland: Where does the name Wayland come from?
The last name Wayland is commonly seen in areas of the United States and in England. In the United States, the most populated states with people who carry the last name Wayland are Texas, Arkansas, Florida, California, and Virginia. In England, Wayland is most common in Devon, Staffordshire, Cornwall, and Wiltshire.
In Texas, there are many cities where Waylands reside, such as Houston, Dallas, Austin, El Paso, San Antonio, and Fort Worth. Some cities in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Hot Springs. In Florida, the major cities are Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale. In California, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento have large populations of Waylands.
In England, major populated cities where Waylands are found are London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds. In Devon, Waylands can be found in towns such as Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Barnstaple, and Paignton. In Staffordshire, Waylands can be found in Stoke-on-Trent, Lichfield, Burton-upon-Trent, and Tamworth. The cities in Cornwall that are home to Wayland residents are Truro, Bodmin, and St Austell. In Wiltshire, the towns of Salisbury, Swindon, Trowbridge, and Chippenham have populations of Waylands.
Overall, the last name Wayland is most common in the United States and England. Each of the countries is home to many cities and towns where Waylands live.
Variations of the surname Wayland
Wayland is an English patronymic surname that can originate from multiple names, including meaning “path or way” or from Waland, an Old English personal name. Variations include Waylen, Waland, Waylan, Waylin, Waylande, Wayln, Waylond, Wayland, and Waylens.
The Wayland surname can be found in many forms because the original meaning for Wayland was a path or way. It has been adapted and changed through the centuries by different families to best fit their preference.
Variants of Wayland also include Waylande, Wayln, and Waland. These names often appeared as a variation on the original Wayland, used if the family chose to emphasize the Old English part of the name.
Surnames related or of similar origin to Wayland include Way, Waland, Walander, Waylan, Waylen, Waylande, Waylen, Waylin, Waylond, and Waylons. These names tend to be slight variations of the original Wayland, often emphasizing one pronunciation over another.
Wayland remains a popular British surname, tracing its roots back to the early English settlers. It symbolizes an ancestral connection or journey for many families and can often be found among those of British, Irish, and Irish-American ancestry.
Famous people with the name Wayland
- Bill Wayland: a professional American photographer from Louisiana best known for his wildlife and landscape photos.
- Billy Wayland: a professional snowboarder and outdoor enthusiast who competed in the 2006 Winter X Games.
- Harry Wayland: a noted visual artist and art educator from New York who has exhibited his work internationally.
- Rory Wayland: a professional BMX rider and bike builder from England.
- Wayland Robertson Jr.: a US politician and lawyer from Virginia, who served in the Virginia legislature and as the 46th Governor of Virginia from 1962 to 1966.
- Eugene Wayland: a professional ballet dancer and academy instructor who performed with the American Ballet Theatre and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
- James Wayland: an educator and civil-rights activist from Virginia, who was the first African-American to serve as president of Virginia State University.
- Jeff Wayland: a country music artist and guitarist, best known for his work in Nashville.
- Ward Wayland: a professional baseball player from Texas, who played for four seasons in the minor leagues, and later became a scout.
- Charles Wayland: a famous architect, best known for his seminal work on Chicago's Public Library.