Wraxall Surname

The History of the Wraxall Surname

The surname Wraxall is of Anglo-Saxon origin and is derived from the village of Wraxall, located in Somerset, England. The village's name is believed to come from the Old English words "wraec" meaning "wraith" or "ghost" and "halh" meaning "nook" or "corner", suggesting that the village was once associated with supernatural phenomena.

Early Origins of the Wraxall Surname

The earliest recorded use of the Wraxall surname dates back to the 12th century, when a Roger de Wraecceshale was documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. The surname was originally used as a locational name to identify individuals who hailed from Wraxall village or its surrounding area.

Over time, the surname became more widely spread throughout England as people migrated and settled in different regions. The Wraxall surname can now be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, with the highest incidence in the county of Somerset.

Notable Individuals with the Wraxall Surname

Despite its relatively low incidence compared to other surnames, the Wraxall surname has been associated with several notable individuals throughout history. One such individual is Nathaniel William Wraxall, a British historian and politician who lived in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Nathaniel William Wraxall gained fame for his Memoirs of My Own Time, a series of autobiographical writings that provided valuable insights into the political and social landscape of his era. Wraxall was a member of the British Parliament and held various diplomatic positions during his lifetime.

Migration of the Wraxall Surname

In addition to its presence in the United Kingdom, the Wraxall surname has also been documented in other parts of the world, including Canada, the United States, Australia, and South Africa. While the incidence of the surname is relatively low in these countries compared to its prevalence in England, it is evidence of the global spread of the Wraxall family.

Many individuals with the Wraxall surname emigrated from England to seek new opportunities and establish a life in a different country. These migration patterns have contributed to the dispersion of the Wraxall surname across continents and have led to the formation of diverse Wraxall family branches.

Modern-Day Distribution of the Wraxall Surname

Despite its ancient origins, the Wraxall surname remains relatively rare compared to more common surnames in the English-speaking world. According to available data, the Wraxall surname has the highest incidence in England, particularly in the county of Somerset where the village of Wraxall is located.

Outside of England, the Wraxall surname is most prevalent in Canada, with a significant number of individuals bearing the name. The United States, Australia, and South Africa also have smaller populations of individuals with the Wraxall surname, reflecting the surname's global presence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Wraxall surname is a distinctive and unique name with a rich history that spans centuries. From its humble origins in a small village in England to its presence in countries around the world, the Wraxall surname is a testament to the enduring legacy of the families who bear it. Though relatively uncommon, the Wraxall surname continues to be passed down through generations, connecting individuals across borders and cultures.

The surname Wraxall in the globe

Globalization has meant that surnames distribute far beyond their country of origin, so that it is achievable to get African surnames in Europe or Indian surnames in Oceania. Exactly the same happens in the case of Wraxall, which as you can corroborate, it can be said that it's a surname which can be found in a lot of the countries associated with globe. Just as you can find nations in which certainly the thickness of people using the surname Wraxall is higher than in other countries.

The map of the Wraxall surname

1. England (116)
2. Canada (27)
3. United States (14)
4. Australia (4)
5. South Africa (2)