Origin & Meaning of the Wald Surname
What does the last name Wald mean?
The surname Wald carries the meaning "Forest." It is derived from the German language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 4,057 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Wald ranks as the #8,172 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Wald come from?
The Wald surname has its roots in German heritage. Names of German 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 Wald name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Wald trace back to German. 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 | Wald |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Forest |
| Origin | German |
| Language | German |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,172 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,057 |
| Per 100K People | 1.38 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Wald
According to the US Census, the Wald surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,057 Americans with the Wald last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.74% |
| Black | 3.25% |
| Hispanic | 2.05% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.08% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 1.36% |
Popularity of Wald Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Wald surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Wald surname decreased by 853 between 2000 and 2010.
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Other German Surnames
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wald
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