Wards Surname

The Origin and Spread of the Surname 'Wards'

The surname 'Wards' is a common surname with a rich history and diverse origins. In this article, we will explore the meaning of the surname 'Wards', its variations, and its prevalence in different countries around the world.

Meaning and Origin

The surname 'Wards' is of English origin and is derived from the Old English word 'weard', which means 'guardian' or 'protector'. It is a patronymic surname, meaning that it was originally based on the name of the father or ancestor. Therefore, 'Wards' likely originated as a surname given to the son of a guardian or protector.

Over time, the surname 'Wards' has evolved and developed various spellings and variations, such as Ward, Wardes, Wardsen, and Wardson. These variations may have been influenced by regional accents, dialects, and the phonetic spelling of the surname.

Prevalence in Different Countries

The surname 'Wards' is most commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, and England. According to data, the incidence of the surname 'Wards' is highest in New Zealand, with 253 individuals carrying this surname. In the United States, there are 144 individuals with the surname 'Wards', making it a moderately common surname in the country.

United States

In the United States, the surname 'Wards' can be found across various states, with notable concentrations in states such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York. The surname 'Wards' has likely been brought to the United States by immigrants from England and other English-speaking countries.

New Zealand

In New Zealand, the surname 'Wards' is particularly prevalent, with a significant number of individuals carrying this surname. The surname 'Wards' may have been introduced to New Zealand by early English settlers and immigrants, who brought their surnames with them to the new colony.

Australia

Similarly, in Australia, the surname 'Wards' is present, albeit in smaller numbers compared to New Zealand and the United States. The surname 'Wards' may have been introduced to Australia by English settlers and convicts who were transported to the colony during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Scotland and England

In Scotland, the surname 'Wards' is less common compared to other countries, with a smaller incidence of 47 individuals carrying this surname. In England, the surname 'Wards' is more prevalent, with 39 individuals bearing this surname. The surname 'Wards' has likely been present in both countries for centuries, with roots tracing back to medieval times.

Other Countries

Outside of English-speaking countries, the surname 'Wards' can also be found in countries such as Canada, Germany, Liberia, Pakistan, Brazil, Ireland, Nigeria, Panama, Russia, Cameroon, Colombia, Wales, Hong Kong, Norway, Philippines, and Solomon Islands. While the incidence of the surname 'Wards' may be lower in these countries, it still reflects the global spread and diversity of this surname.

Canada

In Canada, the surname 'Wards' is present, with 24 individuals carrying this surname. The surname 'Wards' may have been brought to Canada by British settlers and immigrants, who established communities and families across the country.

Germany

In Germany, the surname 'Wards' is less common, with only 8 individuals carrying this surname. The presence of the surname 'Wards' in Germany may be attributed to migration and international ties between Germany and English-speaking countries.

Liberia, Pakistan, Brazil, and Other Countries

In countries such as Liberia, Pakistan, Brazil, Ireland, Nigeria, Panama, Russia, Cameroon, Colombia, Wales, Hong Kong, Norway, Philippines, and Solomon Islands, the surname 'Wards' is less prevalent, with only 1 or 2 individuals carrying this surname in each country. However, the diversity of the surname 'Wards' across different countries highlights its global reach and historical significance.

The surname Wards in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to locate African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Similar occurs in the case of Wards, which as you're able to corroborate, it can be said that it is a surname that can be found in the majority of the countries of this globe. In the same manner you will find nations in which certainly the thickness of men and women using the surname Wards is more than in other countries.

The map of the Wards surname

View Wards surname map

The possibility of examining on a globe map about which nations hold a greater number of Wards on the planet, helps us a lot. By putting ourselves regarding the map, for a tangible country, we are able to understand tangible number of individuals because of the surname Wards, to obtain in this manner the particular information of all the Wards that one can presently find in that country. All this also assists us to understand not only in which the surname Wards comes from, but also in excatly what way the folks that are initially an element of the family that bears the surname Wards have moved and moved. In the same way, you are able to see by which places they will have settled and developed, and that's why if Wards is our surname, it seems interesting to which other countries of the world it will be possible any particular one of our ancestors once relocated to.

Countries with more Wards in the world

  1. New Zealand New Zealand (253)
  2. United States United States (144)
  3. Australia Australia (48)
  4. Scotland Scotland (47)
  5. England England (39)
  6. Canada Canada (24)
  7. Germany Germany (8)
  8. Liberia Liberia (6)
  9. Pakistan Pakistan (5)
  10. Brazil Brazil (2)
  11. Ireland Ireland (2)
  12. Nigeria Nigeria (2)
  13. Panama Panama (2)
  14. Russia Russia (2)
  15. Cameroon Cameroon (1)
  16. Colombia Colombia (1)
  17. Wales Wales (1)
  18. Hong Kong Hong Kong (1)
  19. Norway Norway (1)
  20. Philippines Philippines (1)
  21. Solomon Islands Solomon Islands (1)