Summary

The surname Waddell is of Scottish origin and is derived from the Middle English word 'wad', meaning a ford or shallow crossing, and the Old English word 'dell', meaning a valley. It is believed to have originally referred to someone who lived near a shallow crossing in a valley. The Waddell surname has a rich history and is associated with notable individuals and families throughout Scotland.
There are
21301
Waddells in the USA
Waddell is the
1691st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Waddell

RoyW.

Roy W. Waddell was an American football player who played as an offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears in the 1950s.

LillianB.

Lillian B. Waddell was an American suffragist and advocate for women's rights during the early 20th century.

CharlesW.

Charles W. Waddell was an American politician and lawyer who served as the Governor of North Carolina during the Civil War.

AnnieHeloise

Annie Heloise Waddell was a Scottish poet and novelist known for her work 'The Song of the Prophet.'

DavidWaddell

David Waddell is a Scottish rugby player who has represented the Scottish national team in international competitions.

ThomasJ.

Thomas J. Waddell was an American physician who contributed significantly to the field of orthopedic surgery.

MildredWaddell

Mildred Waddell was an American composer and music educator known for her contributions to choral music.

AlbertWaddell

Albert Waddell was an Australian cricketer who played as a bowler for the Australian national team during the 1930s.

GraceM.

Grace M. Waddell was a British archaeologist and historian specializing in ancient civilizations.

FrancesWaddell

Frances Waddell was an American artist known for her paintings depicting rural landscapes and wildlife.

Waddell Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Waddell' is of Scottish origin and is derived from the personal name 'Wald(h)ewi,' meaning 'ruler of the army.' It is a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a male ancestor.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Waddell' is most commonly found in Scotland and the United States, particularly in the states of North Carolina, Texas, and California.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Waddell' include 'Waddle' and 'Weddle.'
Migration and ImmigrationPeople with the surname 'Waddell' have migrated and immigrated to various countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, primarily during the Scottish diaspora.