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

Wyer, 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 Wyer surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wyer in America

Wyer is the 24648th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wyer surname appeared 1,013 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 Wyer.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wyer 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 Wyer

The surname Wyer has its origins in medieval England, first appearing during the early to mid-13th century. Derived from the Middle English word "wier," which means a fish trap set in a river, the name likely referred to someone who operated or lived near such a structure. This occupation-based origin is common in English surnames, frequently reflecting the profession or geographic feature associated with the family.

One early mention of the surname occurs in the Assize Rolls of Warwickshire in 1221, where a John le Wier is documented, signifying the presence of the name in legal and social records of the time. The spelling "Wier" appears as a variant in these early records, indicating that the modern spelling "Wyer" evolved over time as language and orthographic practices shifted.

In historical records, the surname appears in various forms, such as Wyre and Wire, further reflecting the fluidity of medieval English spelling conventions. For instance, a Richard le Wire is noted in the Pipe Rolls of Worcestershire in 1224, showcasing another variant of the name that would eventually contribute to the modern iteration of Wyer.

One notable historical figure bearing the surname is Richard Wyer, who lived during the 1600s. Richard Wyer, born around 1575, documented as a schoolmaster in London, contributed to the educational landscape of his era. His work in literacy and education serves as a testament to the societal roles individuals with this surname have played over centuries.

In the 19th century, Sir William Augustus Wyer (1835-1901) emerged as another prominent bearer of the surname. A distinguished military officer and diplomat, Sir William served in various British colonies, where he was recognized for his service and dedication. His career, marked by significant contributions to the British Empire, highlights the global footprint of individuals with the surname Wyer.

James Wyer, a 17th-century English merchant, offers another glimpse into the commercial ventures associated with the name. Born in 1620, James traded goods between England and the Americas, playing a role in the early transatlantic economy. His activities illuminate the economic contexts in which the Wyer surname has appeared historically.

Another distinguished individual is Reverend Samuel Wyer (1750-1812), a noted clergyman in 18th-century England. Revered for his theological writings and community service, Reverend Wyer's contributions to religious discourse and local society underscore the diverse arenas in which the Wyer surname has made its mark.

Overall, the surname Wyer has a rich history that spans several centuries and reflects a variety of professional and social roles. From medieval fish trappers to educators, military officers, merchants, and clergymen, the name encapsulates a broad array of historical narratives. Its evolution in spelling and use across different regions emphasizes the dynamic nature of surnames and their ability to capture the essence of familial and occupational identity.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wyer

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

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

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

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