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Wallace

♂ Boy

Pronounced WOL-us /ˈwɒl.əs/High

Meaning: From Anglo-Norman French Waleis meaning Welshman or foreigner, from a Germanic root related to the name for Celtic-speaking peoples; brought to Scotland by Norman settlers and made famous by Scottish hero William WallaceHigh

In 30 seconds: Wallace is a proud Scottish surname-name meaning Welshman. Made immortal by freedom fighter William Wallace, it has a rugged nobility and a dignified vintage feel beloved by parents who admire history and heritage.
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Origin HighFrench, Germanic
MeaningFrom Anglo-Norman French Waleis meaning Welshman or foreigner, from a Germanic root related to the name for Celtic-speaking peoples; brought to Scotland by Norman settlers and made famous by Scottish hero William Wallace
U.S. rank (2025)#964 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births241 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year1923
Total births (all-time)≈ 83,265

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192318802025

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

The name Wallace began as an Anglo-Norman byname for someone from Wales or a Welsh-speaking region. It became a prominent Scottish surname when Anglo-Norman settlers entered Scotland in the 12th century. William Wallace gave the surname its enduring heroic associations.

Wallace became a given name in the 19th century, especially in Scotland and North America, where Scottish heritage was proudly maintained. Writer Wallace Stevens (1879–1955) gave the name a literary dimension.

Did you know? William Wallace (c. 1270–1305), the Scottish patriot who led resistance against English rule, was immortalized in the 1995 film Braveheart. The famous opening line of the Scottish Declaration of Arbroath — asserting freedom over comfortable slavery — echoes the spirit of Wallace's cause.
Overall data confidence 92%
Behind the Name — Wallace — Norman French etymology and Scottish historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

WallisWally

Nicknames

WallyWalli

Famous Bearers

  • ★William Wallace (1270–1305)
    Scottish knight and patriot who led the resistance to English rule during the Wars of Scottish Independence. He won the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 and was later captured and executed by the English.

If you like Wallace…

Angus— shares the proud Scottish heritage and rugged masculine vintage character
Fraser— same Scottish clan surname-name tradition with patriotic resonance
Callum— shares the Scottish heritage and the confident two-syllable masculine feel
Douglas— same Scottish clan heritage and dignified vintage masculine appeal

Frequently Asked

What does the name Wallace mean?

Wallace means Welshman or foreigner from Wales, from Anglo-Norman French Waleis. It was used as a byname for Celtic-speaking people.

How do you pronounce Wallace?

It is said WOL-us, with two syllables and stress on the first.

Is Wallace a Scottish name?

Yes, Wallace is strongly associated with Scotland through the patriot William Wallace, though it originated as a Norman French descriptor for Welsh-speaking people.

What is the nickname for Wallace?

The most common nickname for Wallace is Wally.