Wallace is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "Uallas," which means "foreign" or "stranger." It was traditionally used as a nickname for someone who had returned from abroad after spending time away from their home. The name Wallace has been in use since at least the 12th century and is often associated with Scottish history, particularly with Sir William Wallace, a national hero of Scotland who fought against English occupation during the Wars of Scottish Independence.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Wallace. Apart from Sir William Wallace, another prominent figure was Alfred Russel Wallace, a British naturalist, explorer, and biologist who is best known for independently proposing the theory of evolution by natural selection at the same time as Charles Darwin. This coincidence earned him the title "the forgotten man of science."
The name Wallace has also been used in popular culture, most notably in the 1995 film "Braveheart," directed by Mel Gibson and starring Gibson himself as Sir William Wallace. The character Wallace also appears in the comic book series "Watchmen" by Alan Moore.
Today, Wallace remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive name, often chosen for its historical significance and Scottish heritage. It is typically used more frequently as a middle or surname rather than a first name.
The name Wallace peaked in popularity around the year 1923 with a high of 2803 births that year. However, its usage has significantly declined over time, with only 258 births recorded in 2021 and 216 in 2022.