Waite
An English occupational surname referring to a watchman, guard, or gatekeeper.
According to the 2010 US Census Bureau surname tables, roughly 21,696 Americans carry the last name Waite. That puts it at #1,936 in the national surname ranking, appearing at a frequency of 6.33 per 100,000 people (about 1 in 15,798 residents).
This page is the full Name Census profile for the Waite surname. You will find the Census Bureau frequency data, an ancestry and ethnicity breakdown based on self-reported demographics, the name's meaning and origin where available, and answers to the most common questions people ask about this surname.
Bearers in the US
22K
1 in 15,798
Census rank
#1,936
2010 decennial data
Per 100,000
6.3
Frequency rate
Recorded bearers
19K
uncommon in the US
Popularity narrative
The Census Bureau recorded 18,664 bearers of the surname Waite in its 2010 decennial surname file. At a rate of 6.33 per 100,000 residents, it holds the 1936th position in the national surname ranking.
Among Census respondents with the surname Waite, the largest self-reported group is White at 86.2%. The next largest groups are Black (8.4%) and Hispanic (2.4%).
Origin
Meaning and origin of Waite
The surname Waite is of English origin, derived from the Old English word "waiten," meaning "to watch" or "to guard." This occupation-based surname first emerged in the Middle Ages, referring to those who performed guard duties or served as watchmen.
One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Waite can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Waitehomme," referring to a "man who watches." This historical reference highlights the name's association with the occupation of a watchman or sentry.
In the 13th century, the surname Waite was commonly found in Warwickshire and Worcestershire, England. During this period, variations in spelling were common, with names like Wayte, Waitt, and Wayth appearing in various records.
Notable individuals with the surname Waite include Sir Nicholas Waite (c. 1500-1557), an English courtier and diplomat during the reign of Henry VIII. Another prominent figure was William Waite (1610-1666), an English clergyman and one of the founding members of the Royal Society.
In the 18th century, Thomas Waite (1708-1774) was a renowned English architect and surveyor, known for his work on several notable buildings, including the Old Strafford Shire Hall in Nottingham.
Moving into the 19th century, Edgar Waite (1834-1900) was an English theologian and scholar who served as a canon at Winchester Cathedral. Additionally, Ralph Waite (1928-2014) was an American actor best known for his roles in the television series "The Waltons" and "NCIS."
Throughout history, the surname Waite has been associated with various regions in England, including Warwickshire, Worcestershire, and Nottinghamshire. The name's origins as an occupation-based surname reflect the important role of watchmen and guards in medieval society.
Demographics
Ancestry and ethnicity for Waite
Among Census respondents with the surname Waite, the largest self-reported group is White at 86.2%. The next largest groups are Black (8.4%) and Hispanic (2.4%).
The bar chart below shows how Waite bearers described their own race and ethnicity on the 2010 Census form. The Census Bureau groups responses into six broad categories: White, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian and Pacific Islander, American Indian and Alaska Native, and Two or More Races. When a category has too few respondents for a given surname, the Bureau suppresses the figure to protect individual privacy, which is why some names show fewer than six slices.
Keep in mind that these are self-reported numbers. A person's surname does not determine their race or ethnicity, and the distribution you see here reflects the specific population who happened to carry the Waite surname at the time of the 2010 Census, not any inherent property of the name itself.
- White86.2%
- Black or African American8.4%
- Hispanic or Latino2.4%
- Two or more races1.8%
- Asian and Pacific Islander0.7%
- American Indian and Alaska Native0.6%
Year on year
2010 vs 2010 Census
How has the Waite surname changed between Census years? The chart shows bearer count side by side, and the table compares rank, count, and frequency.
Census year comparison
| Metric | 2010 | 2010 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rank | #1,936 | #1,936 | 0.0% |
| Count | 18,664 | 18,664 | 0.0% |
| Per 100K | 6.33 | 6.33 | 0.0% |
Between the 2010 and 2010 Census, the number of Waite bearers went from 18,664 to 18,664 (+0.0% change). The surname held its position in the national ranking, going from #1,936 to #1,936.
Notable bearers
Famous people with the surname Waite
FAQ
Waite surname: questions and answers
How common is the last name Waite?
The surname Waite holds position #1,936 in the US Census Bureau's surname ranking, with an estimated 21,696 living bearers. It occurs at a rate of 6.33 per 100,000 Americans.
What is the ethnic background of the Waite surname?
Among Census respondents with the surname Waite, the largest self-reported group is White at 86.2%. The next largest groups are Black (8.4%) and Hispanic (2.4%). These figures come from the 2010 Census Bureau surname tables, based on how respondents described their own race and ethnicity.
Where does this surname data come from?
All surname statistics on Name Census are drawn from the US Census Bureau's decennial surname frequency tables. These tables list every surname that appeared 100 or more times in the 2010 Census, along with a frequency rate and self-reported demographic breakdown. You can read the full explanation on our methodology page.