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

Wildcat, 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 Wildcat surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wildcat in America

Wildcat is the 98982nd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wildcat surname appeared 183 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 Wildcat.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wildcat 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 Wildcat

The surname Wildcat has its origins in the United Kingdom, specifically in areas that are now part of modern-day England and Scotland. The name dates back to the medieval period, approximately around the 13th to 14th centuries. During this time, surnames were often derived from animals or occupations closely tied to the individual's environment or characteristics. Wildcat is one such surname, stemming from the Old English words "wild" (wild) and "cat" (cat), suggesting a person with agile or fierce characteristics akin to the wild feline.

The earliest references to the surname Wildcat can be found in various medieval manuscripts and records. One such instance is a mention in the Register of the Freemen of the City of York, where a Richard Wildcat was noted in 1387. The name also appears in various parish records and local tax rolls around the same period, indicating a steady presence of individuals bearing this surname.

One of the earliest recorded bearers of the name was Elspeth Wildcat, born in 1435 in the north of England. Elspeth's family was known for their skills in hunting and trapping, which was a necessary survival skill in the dense woodlands of the region. Her descendants continued to use the name, which became associated with their adeptness in navigating and surviving in the wild terrains.

Moving forward to the late 16th century, another notable figure is Henry Wildcat, born in 1582, who resided in the Scottish Highlands. Henry's family held significant land in the region, and the name Wildcat became synonymous with the rugged and untamed landscape of their territories. Historical records show that Henry was an influential figure in his community, known for his leadership during local disputes and his prowess in hunting.

The surname crossed the Atlantic in the early 17th century with settlers traveling to the New World. One such settler was Thomas Wildcat, born in 1620, who arrived in Virginia in 1642. Thomas established a small farming community, and his descendants played a role in the early development of the area. Documents from this period, including land grants and wills, reflect the continued use and presence of the Wildcat surname.

In the late 18th century, Richard Wildcat, born in 1760, became known for his involvement in the American Revolutionary War. Richard served as a scout and was recognized for his survival skills in the wilderness, reflecting the characteristics traditionally associated with the surname. His contributions were noted in various military records and his legacy endured through subsequent generations.

Another prominent individual was Mary Wildcat, born in 1825, an early pioneer who migrated westward during the American expansion. Mary's journey and experiences were documented in letters and diaries, providing a vivid account of the challenges faced by early settlers. Her resilience and determination were emblematic of the qualities inherent in the Wildcat name.

Throughout history, the Wildcat surname has been associated with individuals known for their connection to nature, survival skills, and strong, independent characteristics. While less common today, the name carries a rich legacy tied to the wild and untamed aspects of both people and landscapes.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wildcat

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

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 Wildcat 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 Wildcat 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 Wildcat was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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