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

Wythe, 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 Wythe surname is from the 2010 census data.

Popularity of Wythe in America

Wythe is the 65593rd most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Wythe surname appeared 302 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 Wythe.

We can also compare 2010 data for Wythe 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 Wythe

The surname Wythe originates from England, with its roots deeply embedded in Anglo-Saxon history. The name is primarily associated with the Old English word "wiþig," which translates to "willow." This connection suggests that the surname likely referred to someone who lived by a willow tree or in an area abundant with willows. The origins of the name date back to the early medieval period, roughly around the 12th century.

The earliest recorded instance of the surname appears in the Domesday Book, an extensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. In this monumental record, variants of the name such as "Witha" and "Witta" can be identified. These early forms suggest a localization primarily in counties like Norfolk and Suffolk, regions known for their wetlands and abundant willow trees.

One prominent historical figure bearing this surname is George Wythe, born in 1726 and died in 1806. Wythe distinguished himself as a legal scholar and a prominent figure in early American history, being one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence and a mentor to Thomas Jefferson. His contributions to the American legal system are well documented, establishing him as a key player in the founding of the United States.

In medieval England, especially during the late 14th and early 15th centuries, the name Wythe reappears in several legal documents and land charters. For instance, a John Wythe is noted as a landowner in Norfolk in 1392. Another noteworthy individual is Richard Wythe, documented in historical charters around 1450, who served as a bailiff in Kent, providing insights into the spread of the surname outside its original regions.

The 16th century continued to see the presence of the Wythe surname in various official records. Anne Wythe, born in 1532, is documented in parish records of Suffolk. Her mention in church records highlights the surname's continued association with specific localities and its embedding within the community structure of the time.

Elizabeth Wythe, born in 1584 and died in 1649, is another significant figure in the history of this surname. She was known for her charitable activities within her community in Norfolk. Historical accounts and church records frequently mention her philanthropic work, underscoring the sustained presence and social contribution of the Wythe family across generations in this region.

The surname Wythe, with its varied spellings and rich historical background, demonstrates a fascinating journey through the tapestry of English and early American history. Its etymology, tied closely to the natural landscape of medieval England, offers a unique glimpse into the lives and identities of those who carried the name through centuries.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Wythe

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

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

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

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