Surname Womack - Meaning and Origin
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Womack: What does the surname Womack mean?
The last name Womack is of Old English origin, and its original meaning is “the son of Walter”. In Old English, 'Walter' was a given name meaning “ruler of the army”. Womack is among the earliest of the notable English surnames, and the first bearer of this name is believed to have been William, son of Walter, from Herefordshire in the late 12th century.
The Womack surname can be found in today’s records as an English, German, Dutch, or Scandinavian surname, but is most often found in North America. In America, the Womack surname is most commonly associated with individuals of Scots-Irish descent, a term used to refer to the early Protestants who originated in the British Isles and immigrated to the southern American colonies in the early 18th century.
Many prominent Womacks have made an important impact on American history over the centuries, including Thomas Womack, a prominent member of the Virginia House of Burgesses; Stephen Womack, an U.S. Congressman from Arkansas; and soul singer Linda Womack, known for her 1970s hits such as “Across 110th Street” and “I Feel Like Making Love.”
Today, the Womack name is spread across many countries and cultures, and the name stands for a family of hard working people with an appreciation for history and an eye towards a brighter future. For these reasons, the surname Womack is a proud one that lives on.
Order DNA origin analysisWomack: Where does the name Womack come from?
The surname Womack is most commonly found today in the United States, particularly in certain Southern states like North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Virginia. The Womacks are thought to have English and Irish roots, with many families tracing their heritage back to England.
The Womack family was first found in Yorkshire, England, where they held a family seat from ancient times. They were a prominent northern family in the Middle Ages, being Lords of Tynncargill and sometime Excising Masters of Peebles.
In the United States, the surname is believed to date as far back as the 1600s and 1700s when the first members of the family arrived in Virginia. Records of Womack families in North Carolina date to the late 1700s and early 1800s.
The Womack name continues to be popular in certain parts of the United States today. There are well-known figures with the Womack surname, such as the Grammy Award-winning country music singer Lee Ann Womack and the former professional basketball player Larry Joe Womack.
The Womack name is an ever-present reminder of the family's noble English origins and their impact on the United States today.
Variations of the surname Womack
The surname Womack is originally derived from the Old English-Old German name Wack. Variants, spellings, and other surnames of the same origin include Wamack, Wamick, Wannack, Wannock, Wannick, Wanak, Wommack, Wamock, Wanock, Wamock, Wammack, and Wamick.
Womack is one of the oldest English-German surnames in existence, and the meaning of this name may have changed depending on its region of origin. While the original meaning is uncertain, it is believed to stem from the Old German word “wac,” meaning a “guard” or “watchman.” This surname may have been given to a person who was employed to protect livestock from predators or thieves, or to stand guard over a particular area.
Another possible origin of the name is from the Old English word “wacu,” meaning “alert” or “vigilant.” This was likely a nickname for someone who was watchful or vigilant in their activities. Alternatively, it could have been given to someone who lived on or near a watchtower.
Finally, some scholars believe the name could be derived from the Old English word “wah,” which means “oxen.” This could mean that this surname was given to people who worked with oxen. Whatever the origin, the surname Womack is an ancient English-German surname that has survived through centuries of migration and change.
Famous people with the name Womack
- Bobby Womack: Bobby Womack is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist who has achieved success in the genres of soul, R&B, rock and roll, and gospel.
- Lee Ann Womack: Lee Ann Womack is an American country music singer and songwriter. She achieved success in the mid and late 1990s with many hit songs, including "The Fool", "I Hope You Dance", and "Ashes by Now".
- DF Womack: American record producer, recording engineer, and songwriter DF Womack has worked in the music industry since the mid-1970s.
- Cecil Womack: Cecil Womack is an American soul, gospel, and R&B singer-songwriter, who along with his brother, Bobby Womack formed the musical group Womack & Womack.
- Mark Womack: Mark Womack is an English actor who has appeared in numerous films and television roles.
- Russ Womack: Russ Womack is an American voice actor and comedian. He is best known for his work as a vocal director and performer on multiple animated series.
- Shaun Womack: Shaun Womack is an American football coach and former player. He is currently the head coach of the Jackson State Tigers football program.
- Jim Womack: Jim Womack is an American business author and consultant, best known for popularizing the term Lean Manufacturing.
- Connie Womack: Connie Womack is an American country music singer and songwriter. She is best known for her 1988 album, 'Lonesome Heartland'.
- Terry Womack: Terry Womack is an American politician from Tennessee's 46th House District and a fifth generation Tennessean member of the Womack family.