Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Wainright

      Origin

      English, Possibly Anglo-saxon

      Meaning

      Wain Refers to A Wagon or Cart

      Variations

      Wainwright, Wayneright, Waynwright
      The surname Wainwright has its roots in Old English, deriving from the words wain, which means wagon or cart, and wright, a term for a craftsman or builder. Thus, Wainwright literally translates to wagon maker or cartwright, referring to someone who constructed or repaired wagons. This occupational surname reflects the vital role of transportation in historical communities, where the ability to construct reliable wheeled vehicles was essential for trade, agriculture, and mobility.

      The origins of the Wainwright surname can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period in England, where surnames began to emerge as a means of identification linked to one's profession. The significance of cartwrights grew during the medieval era, as the expansion of commerce and agriculture necessitated more efficient means of transport. Early records of the name can be found in various historical documents, including tax rolls and parish registers, illustrating its prevalence in English society. Notable bearers of the surname have contributed to various fields, reinforcing its historical importance.

      Today, the surname Wainwright remains relatively common in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is often associated with individuals engaged in diverse professions, although the direct connection to wagon making has diminished over time. The name continues to hold cultural significance, featuring in literature, music, and popular media. Additionally, Wainwright has been adopted as a place name in various locations, evidencing its enduring legacy in contemporary society.

      Based on our records...

      Adkins

      Adkins

      This is the most common surname associated with Wainright.
      Nancy

      Nancy

      This is the most common name of those married to a Wainright.
      Henry

      Henry

      This is the most common name for a child of a Wainright.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1898 is when there were the most people born with the first name Wainright.

      Explore the origins of another name.