A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Wallace since 1880
Babies named Wallace per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 1,009 |
| 1890s | 1,199 |
| 1900s | 1,654 |
| 1910s | 8,681 |
| 1920s | 20,916 |
| 1930s | 13,241 |
| 1940s | 11,464 |
| 1950s | 9,446 |
| 1960s | 5,948 |
| 1970s | 2,860 |
| 1980s | 1,846 |
| 1990s | 1,099 |
| 2000s | 889 |
| 2010s | 1,589 |
| 2020s | 1,422 |
Meaning & origin
Wallace is a classic Scottish and English name that saw peak usage in the 1920s, ranking 960th in the U.S. in 2025, with a 1 in 7,087 birth rate. The name is strongly associated with Sir William Wallace, the Scottish warrior, and has a distinguished, old-fashioned appeal. After a decline through most of the 20th century, the name has been rising in use since 2010, showing a revival among parents seeking traditional names with historical resonance. The top states for the name are South Dakota, Idaho, and Wisconsin, suggesting a stronger presence in the Midwest and northern Plains.
Wallace is a Scottish and English surname derived from the Old French 'waleis' or 'walois', meaning a foreigner or a Celt (specifically a Welshman). The name was introduced to Scotland by Norman settlers and became a prominent clan name. It is most famously associated with Sir William Wallace, the 13th-century Scottish knight and national hero. As a given name, Wallace saw peak popularity in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s.
Where Wallace is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Wallace” around the world
Where Wallace lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wally
Variants: Wallis, Wallas
Sibling names for Wallace
Names that share Wallace's style, for a brother or sister.
