Origin & Meaning of the Waugh Surname
What does the last name Waugh mean?
The surname Waugh 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 11,387 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Waugh ranks as the #3,171 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Waugh come from?
The Waugh 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 Waugh name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Waugh 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 | Waugh |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #3,171 |
| US Count (2010) | 11,387 |
| Per 100K People | 3.86 |
| First Letter | W |
Ethnic Distribution of Waugh
According to the US Census, the Waugh surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 11,387 Americans with the Waugh last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 85.52% |
| Black | 9.06% |
| Hispanic | 2.14% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.58% |
| Native American | 0.83% |
| Two or More Races | 1.87% |
Popularity of Waugh Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Waugh surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Waugh surname increased by 335 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Waugh Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Waugh ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Waugh Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Waugh Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Waugh
- ✓ The Waugh coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Waugh families live today
- ✓ Notable Waugh bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Waugh
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Waugh.
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 Waugh.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waugh
Top Surnames Starting with W
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter W, ranked by population.
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