Origin & Meaning of the Waite Surname
What does the last name Waite mean?
The surname Waite carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 18,664 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Waite ranks as the #1,936 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Waite come from?
The Waite surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Waite name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Waite trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Waite |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,936 |
| US Count (2010) | 18,664 |
| Per 100K People | 6.33 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Waite
According to the US Census, the Waite surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 18,664 Americans with the Waite last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 86.17% |
| Black | 8.43% |
| Hispanic | 2.38% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.72% |
| Native American | 0.55% |
| Two or More Races | 1.75% |
Popularity of Waite Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Waite surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Waite surname increased by 1,249 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Waite Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Waite ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Similar Surnames to Waite
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Waite.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Waite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waite
Related Searches
People searching for information about the Waite surname also look for: