Waite

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Waite

Waite is an English boy name, which has 5 letters.

Waite is a surname derived from the Old English word 'waet', meaning 'wet'. It can also mean 'watchman', or a guard.

Pronuncation WAYT

Alternate Meaning Protector

Origin or Current Usage English

Gender M

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Buy On Amazon

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Buy On Amazon

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Buy On Amazon
These are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Detailed Information About The Name Waite

The name Waite is of English origin and is derived from the Middle English word "waite," meaning a watchman or guardian. It is a relatively uncommon surname, ranked as the 21,010th most common name in the United States. The name is believed to have originated as an occupational surname, given to those who were responsible for guarding or watching over a specific area or property. The duties of a waite included ensuring the safety and security of their assigned location.

Historically, the role of a waite was of utmost importance, particularly during medieval times when protection and security were essential. They acted as custodians of towns, castles, and manors, playing a crucial role in maintaining order and safeguarding the premises. The waite's responsibilities often necessitated their presence at all times, ready to act promptly in case of intruders or emergencies. Additionally, their duties extended to monitoring the movement of people and goods, as well as enforcing laws and regulations within their jurisdiction.

Over time, individuals bearing the surname Waite spread and diversified across different regions and countries. As a result, variations of the name emerged, including Wayte, Wait, and Weight. The name Waite has also been adopted as a given name in some cases, popularized by notable individuals such as Waite Hoyt, an American baseball player, and Waite Phillips, a prominent American oilman and philanthropist.

Today, bearers of the name Waite can be found worldwide, with concentrations in English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Through migration and genealogical records, individuals with the surname Waite have traced their ancestry to various regions, reflecting a rich and diverse family history.

Similar English Baby Names

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names