Origin and Meaning of Wallace

Foreigner or Welshman

Origin: Old French - Derived from the Old French term 'wallais', which means 'foreigner' or 'Welshman', originally indicating someone from Wales.

• Wallace is notably associated with William Wallace, a Scottish knight and leader during the Wars of Scottish Independence, famously depicted in the film 'Braveheart'.
• The name has significant historical relevance in Scotland and is often linked to heroism and patriotism.
• Other noted bearers include Wallace Stegner, an American novelist and environmentalist, and Wallace Shawn, a prominent American actor and playwright.
• In recent years, the name Wallace has seen a resurgence, partly due to its vintage charm, making it popular as both a first name and a surname.
• Variations of the name include Walley, Wally, and Wallice, offering different ways to personalize this classic name.