Surname Wickliff - Meaning and Origin

Wickliff: What does the surname Wickliff mean?

The last name Wickliff is of English origin. It is believed to be a variant of Weekley, a place-name from Staffordshire, England, derived from the Old English elements “wic” ( work, farm) and “leah” (wood, clearing). This has been translated to mean “dweller of the work in the woods”. Wickliff is a relatively uncommon variant, and is not commonly seen outside of select families who were believed to have moved from the same area hundreds of years ago. It is possible that other variations of the name had previously existed that were lost over time.

Throughout history, the Wickliff name has been associated with many accomplishments and contributions in various fields, particularly mainly in business, the military, public service, and science. Disproportionately, more of Wickliffs have been successful men, but there have also been numerous successful women of this name throughout history.

In modern times, Wickliff families have likely spread throughout the world, and the name carries with it a strong sense of pride and heritage. Regardless of their location, it is not uncommon to find families with this name reuniting for special events or milestones, or gathering to celebrate their common origins. It is a unique surname, and one that often enlivens conversations, and can spark joy just to know the meaning of the last name and the accomplishments of its family members.

Wickliff: Where does the name Wickliff come from?

The last name Wickliff is fairly common today throughout many English-speaking countries. In the United States, it can be found mainly in the South and Midwest, and in some parts of the Northeast. According to the US Census of 2010, the highest concentration of people with the Wickliff surname can be found in Arkansas and Kentucky – the two states that have the highest counts of people with the surname.

Outside of the US, the Wickliff surname is commonly found in England, especially in Leeds and London. Additionally, it is also present in Scotland and Ireland. Wickliff is also a common last name in India, particularly among people of Goan descent.

It is difficult to trace the origin of the Wickliff surname to a specific ancestor, although it is likely that it is derived from an Old English given name that begins with the prefix "wic" – which could include a variety of names like Wickham, Wolleson, and Wilkins. The Wickliff surname is also associated with a number of prominent historical figures, including the 19th Century British Reformers John and Charles Wickliff.

Variations of the surname Wickliff

The surname Wickliff is derived from an old English and Anglo-Saxon given name, Wiclif. The spelling variations of this name include Wicliffe, Wyckliffe, Wickliff, Wyckliff, Wickliffe, Wiccliff, Wycliff and Wycliff. It is derived from the old English elements ‘wic’ meaning ‘dwelling’ and ‘lif’ meaning ‘traveller’.

In Scotland, variants of the surname Wickliff include Whycliff, Wyklyffe, Wykliff, Wykliffe and Whyklyf. In Ireland the surnames derived from the English Wickliff include Wicleiffe, Wiclif and Wyclif.

The name Wickliff can also be traced to its original Germanic roots, when it was spelled Wickoff or Wickhoff. In France, the variant spelling Wycliffe is sometimes encountered, although it is more common in the combined forms of Wicaloffe, Wicloffe and Wiclo-wyf.

In Wales, Wyke and Wykes are common alternative spellings for Wickliff. In Dutch and Dutch-influenced areas, such as Flanders, the surname is usually written as Wyckoff or Wykoff.

Although the spelling variations of Wickliff are numerous, it will always be recognised as an English patronymic or a family name, meaning ‘son of Wiclif’.

Famous people with the name Wickliff

• William Wickliffe: a colonial American politician and law maker from Virginia.
• Marie Wickliffe: an American actress, known for her appearance in the films pranksters (1972), the birds (1963) and bewitched (1965).
• Charles Wickliffe: 19th century politician and Governor from Kentucky.
• Ed Wickliffe: Professional basketball player, who played for the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1970's.
• Allen Wickliffe: An American professional golfer on the PGA Tour in the early 20th century.
• Stanley Wickliffe: American actor, known for his roles in television shows such as Captain Video and His Video Rangers and The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet.
• Eliza Wickliffe: A celebrated Southern American poet, author and socialite.
• Alexander Wickliffe: An American lawyer, politician and state judge of Kentucky.
• Emily Wickliffe: An English stage actress of the Victorian era, active in the 1860s and 1870s.
• Robert Wickliffe: An American army officer who served as an adjutant general and the Chief of Staff of United States forces during the War of 1812.

Other surnames

Wickliffe