The surname Wright, derived from Old English 'wriht' meaning 'skilled craftsman', was originally an occupational name for a maker of garments or weapons. It is one of the most common surnames in England, and has also been found in other parts of Europe due to migration patterns over centuries.
The first recorded instance of the surname Wright dates back to the early 13th century in England, appearing in records such as the Hundred Rolls of 1273. Over time, variations of the name have emerged, including Right, Rite, and Ritt, among others.
Notable individuals with the surname Wright include the pioneering aviators Orville and Wilbur Wright, who were responsible for inventing and building the world's first powered airplane. Their achievements in aviation have earned them significant recognition, with their names being synonymous with early flight.
In addition to its occupational origin, Wright has also been used as a given name, particularly in the United States. It is often chosen due to its historical significance or as a nod to the Wright brothers' contributions to aviation. However, it remains more commonly used as a surname worldwide.
Today, Wright continues to be a prominent surname and given name across many countries, carrying with it a rich history and association with skill and craftsmanship.
These statistics show a fluctuating trend for the name Wright over time. The years with the highest number of births were 1915 (35 births), 2022 (28 births), and most recently, 2023 (25 births). Conversely, there are several periods with consistently low birth numbers, such as between 1882 to 1884 (no births) and from 1976 to 1984 (only 6 births annually). Interestingly, the name Wright experienced a significant resurgence in popularity starting around the year 2017, with notably higher birth numbers compared to previous decades. Overall, over a span of about 135 years, there were a total of 1590 births with the name Wright.