Holding steady.
Popularity of Wallis since 1911
Babies named Wallis per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1940, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Wallis's real moment was 1911.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 0 | 96 |
| 1920s | 0 | 142 |
| 1930s | 72 | 129 |
| 1940s | 138 | 119 |
| 1950s | 75 | 80 |
| 1960s | 7 | 42 |
| 1970s | 0 | 17 |
| 1980s | 52 | 0 |
| 1990s | 63 | 0 |
| 2000s | 25 | 0 |
| 2010s | 70 | 0 |
| 2020s | 71 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Wallis is a name of Norman origin that entered English usage as a surname before becoming a given name. It was first recorded in U.S. Social Security data in 1911, marking its earliest known use as a first name. The name's trajectory has remained stable, never achieving widespread popularity but maintaining occasional use. Historically, Wallis is most famously associated with Wallis Simpson, whose marriage to King Edward VIII led to the abdication crisis of 1936. Despite this high-profile connection, the name has never ranked in the top 1,000 in the United States. Its peak year remains 1911, the same year it first appeared. While no states show significant concentrations, the name carries a vintage, aristocratic flair that appeals to parents seeking a distinctive choice. As a feminine name, Wallis offers a strong, surname-style alternative to more common classic names.
Wallis originated as a surname transferred to first name use, ultimately from the Anglo-Norman French word 'waleis' meaning 'foreigner' or 'Welshman'. It gained prominence in the 20th century as a female name, particularly after Wallis Simpson, the American socialite for whom King Edward VIII abdicated the throne. The name has seen occasional but steady use as a given name for girls since the 1910s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Wally, Wallie
Variants: Wallace
Sibling names for Wallis
Names that share Wallis's style, for a brother or sister.
