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

Wildsmith, 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 Wildsmith surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wildsmith in America

Wildsmith is the 159712th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wildsmith surname appeared 101 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 Wildsmith.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wildsmith 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 Wildsmith

The surname Wildsmith originates from England, with its roots tracing back to the medieval period. The name first emerged in counties such as Yorkshire and Lancashire, regions known for their rich and diverse linguistic history influenced by Old English and Norse dialects. The surname is derived from the Old English words willed, meaning "wild," and smið, which translates to "smith" or "craftsman." This indicates that the name originally referred to a blacksmith or metalworker who was perhaps considered untamed or unconventional in their methods.

One of the earliest references to the surname Wildsmith is found in the Poll Tax records of Yorkshire in 1379, listing a John Wildsmith and a William Wildsmith. These records provide valuable insight into the medieval occupation and the social status of individuals bearing this surname. The presence of the surname in such records indicates its establishment and recognition within English society during the 14th century.

The variation in spelling over time was not uncommon, given the phonetic approaches to recording names in historical documents. Spelling variations such as Wyldesmythe and Wildesmith have been documented in parish records and wills from the 16th and 17th centuries. These variations indicate the evolving nature of the English language and the regional accents that influenced name spellings.

A notable figure bearing the surname Wildsmith is Thomas Wildsmith, a prominent authority in the shoemaking trade in 19th century England. Born in 1810, Thomas gained recognition for his craftsmanship and innovation, becoming a leading name in London’s shoemaking industry until his death in 1868. His contributions were instrumental in the development of high-quality, bespoke footwear during the Victorian era.

Another significant individual is Jonathan Wildsmith, born in 1847, a soldier and later a respected military historian known for his detailed accounts of the Napoleonic Wars. His works contributed to the preservation and education of military history in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing a comprehensive understanding of one of Europe's most defining periods.

George Wildsmith, a merchant and shipowner from 17th century Liverpool, was instrumental in the development of transatlantic trade routes during his lifetime. Born in 1624, George Wildsmith played a crucial role in establishing Liverpool as a burgeoning port city, and his ventures contributed significantly to the economic growth of the region until his death in 1690.

In the realm of academia, Elizabeth Wildsmith, born in 1875, emerged as an influential figure in the early 20th century. She was a pioneering scholar in the field of botany and one of the first women to receive a Doctorate of Science in the United Kingdom. Her work focused on plant physiology, and she made significant contributions to the understanding of plant pathology until her passing in 1937.

Lastly, the name Wildsmith appears in the artistic domain with Richard Wildsmith, a celebrated illustrator and painter of the late 18th century. Born in 1772, his works were characterized by their vivid depictions of rural English life and nature, capturing the pastoral beauty of the countryside. Richard Wildsmith’s paintings remain valued by art historians and collectors alike, leaving a lasting legacy upon his death in 1830.

The surname Wildsmith encapsulates a history rich with craftsmanship, intellectual contributions, and cultural significance. Its origins and development reflect the dynamic nature of English surnames and the diverse backgrounds of those who have carried it throughout history.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wildsmith

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

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

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

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