"foreigner, Welshman (Celtic speaker)"
Origin: Old French/Norman
Language: English
Wallace
Pronunciation: [ w-AWL-uhs ]
Boy Name
#981 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
Scottish hero meets beloved inventor — a name with heart
Scottish
English
American
Vintage
Classic
Literary
Strong
Meaning & Origin
The Story of Wallace
Wallace derives from the Old French 'Waleis' meaning 'foreigner' or 'Welshman,' used by the Normans to describe Celtic-speaking peoples in Britain. It became a Scottish surname and then a first name, most famously carried by Sir William Wallace, the 13th-century Scottish national hero who led resistance against English rule during the Wars of Scottish Independence. His courage in the face of impossible odds made his name a symbol of patriotic defiance.
Wallace was a popular first name in English-speaking countries throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries. It fell from fashion mid-century but is seeing a revival as part of the broad vintage name trend, particularly appealing to parents who appreciate its literary associations and the beloved nickname 'Wally.'
William Wallace is Scotland's greatest national hero, immortalized in the 14th-century poem 'The Wallace' and the 1995 film 'Braveheart.' In animation, Wallace of Wallace and Gromit is one of Britain's most beloved fictional characters — a cheese-loving inventor with a gentle eccentricity that has enchanted audiences worldwide.
Fun Facts
- Sir William Wallace was executed in 1305, but his legacy inspired Robert the Bruce to continue fighting, ultimately winning Scottish independence at Bannockburn in 1314
- Wallace from Wallace and Gromit is consistently voted one of the most beloved fictional characters in British television history
Wallace in Other Languages
Latin
Walensis
French
Wallis
Scottish Gaelic
Uallas
Famous People Named Wallace
W
Wallace Stevens
Writer
1879
Pulitzer Prize-winning American modernist poet, considered one of the major American poets of the 20th century
W
William Wallace
Military
1270
Scottish knight and leader who became the central figure in the Wars of Scottish Independence against English rule
W
Wallace (from Wallace and Gromit) Fictional
Other
The eccentric, cheese-loving British inventor from Nick Park's beloved animated franchise, one of Britain's most iconic ...
The eccentric, cheese-loving British inventor from Nick Park's beloved animated franchise, one of Britain's most iconic fictional characters
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #981
- Total SSA Count
- 229
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Wally
Pairs Well With
Wallace James
Wallace Edward
Wallace Henry
Wallace Thomas
Wallace Arthur
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Wallace is also used as a girl name, ranked #38678.
View Wallace as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wallace
What does the name Wallace mean?
"foreigner, Welshman (Celtic speaker)" (from Old French/Norman). Wallace derives from the Old French 'Waleis' meaning 'foreigner' or 'Welshman,' used by the Normans to describe Celtic-speaking peoples in Britain. It became a Scottish surname and then a first name, most famously carried by Sir William Wallace, the 13th-century Scottish national hero who led resistance against English rule during the Wars of Scottish Independence. His courage in the face of impossible odds made his name a symbol of patriotic defiance.
What is the origin of the name Wallace?
Wallace has Old French/Norman, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Old French/Norman, it means "foreigner, Welshman (Celtic speaker)".
Is Wallace a boy or girl name?
Wallace is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #981. As a girl name, it is ranked #38678. Wallace is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Wallace?
Wallace is pronounced w-AWL-uhs.
How popular is the name Wallace?
Wallace is currently ranked #981 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Wallace?
Common nicknames for Wallace include Wally.
What are good middle names for Wallace?
Popular middle name pairings include Wallace James, Wallace Edward, Wallace Henry, Wallace Thomas, and Wallace Arthur.
What are good sibling names for Wallace?
Names that pair well with Wallace as siblings include Gwendolyn, Clifford, Edwin, Harriet, and Douglas.
How many syllables does Wallace have?
Wallace has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Wallace a common or rare name?
Wallace is moderately common, ranked #981 for boys in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Wallace
Wallace is a boy name with Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "foreigner, Welshman (Celtic speaker)" in Old French/Norman .
Is Wallace a boy or girl name? Wallace is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #981 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #38,678. Wallace is more commonly used as a boy name.
Wallace is currently ranked #981 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Wallace has 2 syllables and is pronounced w-AWL-uhs, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Wallace include Wally. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Wallace include Wallen . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.