Find out how popular the last name Wig is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Wig.

Wig, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Wig surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wig in America

Wig is the 88336th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wig surname appeared 210 times in the 2010 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Wig.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wig to data from the previous census in 2000. The table below contains all of the statistics for both years in a side-by-side comparison.

The history of the last name Wig

The surname Wig traces its origins to England, emerging prominently during the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Old English word "wig," which means "war" or "battle." This etymology suggests that the name may have been used to denote someone who was a warrior or soldier. The earliest references to the surname can be found in the Anglo-Saxon regions, particularly in areas like Kent and Sussex, where it was common for surnames to derive from occupations or personal characteristics.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the surname Wig appears in the Domesday Book of 1086, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appears as "de Wig" in several entries, indicating land ownership or tenancy. Historical records show that the surname was primarily concentrated in southern England during this time, but it gradually spread to other regions over subsequent centuries.

The oldest recorded bearer of the surname Wig is believed to be Thomas Wig, who lived in the 12th century. His name appears in several charters and legal documents, including a grant of lands in Kent dating back to 1160. Another notable early figure is Geoffrey Wig, a knight who fought in the Baronial Wars of the early 13th century, supporting King John's rule against the rebellious barons. Geoffrey's loyalty earned him substantial land grants in the county of Essex and a mention in the historical records of the period.

Over time, variations of the surname emerged, such as Wigge or Wiggs, reflecting regional dialects and spelling conventions of the era. Records from the 14th century show the name in both these forms. For example, John Wigge, a prominent merchant in London during the reign of Edward III, is frequently mentioned in trade documents from the 1350s. His successful trading ventures extended to the wool-exporting market, a vital industry in medieval England.

In the 15th century, records from the Wars of the Roses—a series of English civil wars for control of the throne—mention a William Wig, who fought for the House of York. William's valor in battle was noted in several military rolls from the period, and he is remembered for his role in key battles such as Towton and Barnet. By the 16th century, the surname had become well-established, with various branches of the Wig family settling in different parts of England.

One notable figure from the late 16th century is Elizabeth Wig, an author and poet associated with the Elizabethan literary scene. Born in 1570, Elizabeth's works largely centered on themes of courtly love and pastoral life. While not as well-known as her contemporaries, she made significant contributions to the literary culture of the time, with her poems appearing in several anthologies published during the 1590s.

By the 17th and 18th centuries, the surname Wig had become less common, but it persisted in various local records, especially in rural areas. A notable individual from this period is Richard Wig, a farmer and local magistrate in Gloucestershire, born in 1665. His involvement in local politics and his efforts to improve agricultural practices are documented in county records from the early 18th century.

The history of the surname Wig is rich and varied, reflecting its deep roots in English history and its gradual evolution over the centuries. From medieval warriors to literary figures, the name has a storied past that highlights the diverse contributions of its bearers.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wig

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Wig.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2010 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Wig was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Since we have data from the previous census in 2000, we can also compare the values to see how the popularity of Wig has changed in the 10 years between the two census surveys.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

The history and meaning of the name Wig was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wig, please contact us.

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