Wolcott Surname

The Origins of the Surname Wolcott

The surname Wolcott has a long and fascinating history that traces back to medieval England. The name is believed to have originated in the county of Devon, where the village of Wolcott still exists today. The meaning of the surname is thought to be derived from the Old English words "wulf" meaning wolf and "cot" meaning cottage or shelter. This suggests that the early bearers of the surname may have lived near a wolf's den or had some association with wolves.

Early Recordings and Variations

The earliest recorded instance of the Wolcott surname dates back to the 13th century, with a mention of a William de Woldecote in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. Over the centuries, the surname has undergone various spellings and variations, including Wolcote, Woolcott, and Woolacott. These changes in spelling were often a result of phonetic variations and regional dialects.

In the United States, the surname Wolcott first appeared in the early 17th century when Henry Wolcott migrated from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony. He was a prominent figure in the colonial era, serving as a magistrate and participating in the formation of the Connecticut Colony. The Wolcott family name became well-established in American history, with several notable figures bearing the name, including Oliver Wolcott, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

Distribution of the Wolcott Surname

Today, the Wolcott surname is relatively rare, with the highest incidence found in the United States. According to the latest data, there are approximately 7,581 individuals with the surname Wolcott in the U.S. This is significantly higher than in other countries, such as Canada, the Philippines, and Brazil, where the incidence is much lower.

In England, the surname is most commonly found in the region of England, with a reported incidence of 7 individuals. Other countries with small numbers of individuals bearing the Wolcott surname include Australia, Sweden, Germany, and South Korea. Despite its rarity, the surname has a widespread presence across the globe, with at least one individual bearing the name in countries such as China, India, and Uganda.

Famous Individuals with the Wolcott Surname

Throughout history, there have been several prominent individuals with the Wolcott surname who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. One such individual is Roger Wolcott, an American politician and journalist who served as the 39th Governor of Massachusetts.

Another notable figure with the Wolcott surname is Frederick Wolcott, an English cricketer who played for Somerset County Cricket Club in the late 19th century. His skill and talent on the cricket field helped him earn a place in the county's history.

Overall, the Wolcott surname has a rich and varied history that spans centuries and continents. From its origins in medieval England to its widespread presence in the United States and beyond, the name has left a lasting legacy that continues to be celebrated today.

The surname Wolcott into the world

Globalization has meant that surnames spread far beyond their nation of origin, such that it is possible to find African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same happens when it comes to Wolcott, which as you are able to corroborate, it may be stated it is a surname that may be present in most of the nations for the world. In the same manner you can find countries by which truly the density of people utilizing the surname Wolcott is higher than far away.

The map for the Wolcott surname

1. United States (7581)
2. Canada (70)
3. Philippines (12)
4. Brazil (10)
5. England (7)
6. Australia (6)
7. Sweden (4)
8. Germany (2)
9. South Korea (2)
10. Mexico (2)
11. Bahamas (1)
12. Switzerland (1)
13. Chile (1)
14. China (1)
15. India (1)
16. Kazakhstan (1)
17. Liberia (1)
18. Malaysia (1)
19. Uganda (1)