Origin & Meaning of the Waites Surname
What does the last name Waites mean?
The surname Waites carries the meaning "Son of Waites." It is derived from the Spanish language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 3,808 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Waites ranks as the #8,635 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Waites come from?
The Waites surname has its roots in Spanish/Portuguese heritage. Names of Spanish/Portuguese 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 Waites name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Waites trace back to Spanish. 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 | Waites |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Waites |
| Origin | Spanish/Portuguese |
| Language | Spanish |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,635 |
| US Count (2010) | 3,808 |
| Per 100K People | 1.29 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Waites
According to the US Census, the Waites surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 3,808 Americans with the Waites last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 68.09% |
| Black | 27.31% |
| Hispanic | 2.31% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.34% |
| Native American | 0.39% |
| Two or More Races | 1.55% |
Popularity of Waites Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Waites surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Waites surname increased by 410 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Waites Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Waites ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Waites Family
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- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Waites
- ✓ The Waites coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Waites families live today
- ✓ Notable Waites bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Waites
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Waites.
Other Spanish/Portuguese Surnames
Explore more surnames with Spanish/Portuguese roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same Spanish/Portuguese origin as Waites.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waites
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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