Origin and Meaning of Waco

Uncertain; possibly derived from a Native American word meaning 'the one who is in the land of the great water'.

Origin: Native American - The name Waco may derive from words in the languages of Indigenous peoples of North America, although precise etymology is unclear.

• Waco is a city in Texas, known for its historical significance, including its role in the founding of the Texas Ranger division.
• The name Waco is also associated with a Native American tribe, the Waco tribe, who originally inhabited the region near the Brazos River.
• Notable references include the 1993 standoff at the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, which brought national attention.
• The name Waco is quite uncommon as a personal name but is more widely recognized as a place name.
• Related variations or names include Wacotah, which combines the name with a suffix implying 'land'.