What does Wallace mean and where does it come from?
Wallace is traditionally a surname of Scottish origin that has increasingly been adopted as a first name, particularly in recent decades. The name is derived from the Old French term 'wallais', meaning 'foreigner' or 'Welshman'. Notable figures with the surname include William Wallace, a national he
Cultural significance
Wallace has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of foreigner, welshman.
Peak popularity
Reached #964 in 2025 — currently #964 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Wallace?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
How popular is Wallace right now?
Rising — up 20 spots — currently #964 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #964 | 241 | ▲ up 20 · +5% births |
| 2024 | #984 | 229 | ▲ up 32 · +6% births |
| 2023 | #1016 | 216 | ▼ down 48 · -8% births |
| 2022 | #968 | 234 | ▼ down 76 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #892 | 258 | ▲ up 10101 · +3125% births |
| 2020 | #10993 | 8 | ▼ down 1876 · +33% births |
| 1980 | #9117 | 6 | ▼ down 5325 · -40% births |
| 1955 | #3792 | 10 | ▲ up 963 · +67% births |
| 1950 | #4755 | 6 | ▼ down 1819 · -40% births |
| 1945 | #2936 | 10 | ▲ up 826 · +67% births |
| 1935 | #3762 | 6 | ▼ down 1061 · -45% births |
| 1930 | #2701 | 11 | ▼ down 67 · -15% births |
| 1925 | #2634 | 13 | ▼ down 451 · -24% births |
| 1920 | #2183 | 17 | ▲ up 522 · +70% births |
| 1915 | #2705 | 10 | — |
The story of Wallace
Wallace has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. A total of 82,629 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1950 in 1905 to #1016 in 2023. Wallace is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Wallace in 2025:
Wallace by decade
Wallace peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 1,009 | |
| 1890s | 1,204 | |
| 1900s | 1,664 | |
| 1910s | 8,763 | |
| 1920s ★ | 21,055 | |
| 1930s | 13,340 | |
| 1940s | 11,533 | |
| 1950s | 9,496 | |
| 1960s | 5,988 | |
| 1970s | 2,868 | |
| 1980s | 1,860 | |
| 1990s | 1,098 | |
| 2000s | 892 | |
| 2010s | 1,609 | |
| 2020s | 726 | |
What are good nicknames for Wallace?
How is Wallace written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Wallace
What does the name Wallace mean?
Wallace means "foreigner, Welshman" — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Wallace?
Wallace is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Wallace?
Wallace originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Wallace?
Wallace is a two-syllable name pronounced WAW-lus. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Wallace a common or rare name?
Wallace is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.