Summary

The surname WISE is of English origin, derived from the Middle English word 'wis', meaning 'wise' or 'knowledgeable'. It is believed to have originated as a nickname for someone who was known for their wisdom or intelligence. The surname has a long history, dating back to medieval times.
There are
68649
Wises in the USA
Wise is the
485th
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Wise

StephenS.

Stephen S. Wise was an American Reform rabbi and Zionist leader who played a key role in the establishment of the State of Israel.

IsaacMayer

Isaac Mayer Wise was an American Reform rabbi and author, known for his efforts to organize and unify the Reform Jewish movement in the United States.

RobertWise

Robert Wise was an American film director and producer, best known for directing classic movies such as 'West Side Story' and 'The Sound of Music.'

GenevieveBell

Genevieve Bell is an Australian anthropologist and researcher known for her work in the field of human-computer interaction and technology design.

BuffyWicks

Buffy Wicks is an American political strategist and activist, known for her work on various political campaigns and as a senior advisor to President Barack Obama.

DeWittWallace

DeWitt Wallace was an American magazine publisher and co-founder of Reader's Digest, one of the largest and most popular magazines in the world.

DavidWise

David Wise is an American freestyle skier who has competed in the Winter Olympics and won multiple X Games gold medals in the disciplines of halfpipe and slopestyle.

WiseIntelligent

Wise Intelligent is an American rapper and activist, known for his socially conscious lyrics and his involvement in political and social causes.

MichelleWise

Michelle Wise is an Australian artist known for her abstract paintings and mixed media artworks that explore themes of memory, identity, and perception.

BernhardWise

Bernhard Wise was a German Jewish physicist and Nobel laureate, recognized for his contributions to the field of physics, particularly in the area of spectral analysis.

Wise Genealogy

OriginsThe surname 'Wise' is of English origin and is an occupational name for a wise or knowledgeable person. It derives from the Old English word 'wis', meaning 'wise' or 'knowing'.
Geographic DistributionThe surname 'Wise' is most commonly found in the United States, followed by the United Kingdom and Australia. It is also present in Canada, Germany, South Africa, and other English-speaking countries.
VariationsVariations of the surname 'Wise' include 'Wyse' and 'Wisse'.
Migration and ImmigrationThe name 'Wise' has been carried by immigrants to various countries, particularly during periods of English colonization and migration. Many individuals with the surname 'Wise' can be found in the United States due to historical immigration patterns.