Surname Wallin - Meaning and Origin

Exploring Wallin Ancestry: A DNA Based Voyage into the Past

The iGENEA DNA test was a journey of self-discovery for a curious individual bearing the surname Wallin. Unraveling the fascinating ties to a Viking lineage and connecting with others sharing the Wallin name, the iGENEA DNA test transformed skepticism into awe.

E. Wallin

Wallin: What does the surname Wallin mean?

The surname Wallin is of Scandinavian and English origin. In Scandinavian, it is a diminutive or patronymic form of the personal name "Wall," which is derived from "Valr," an Old Norse word meaning "ruler." So the name Wallin could mean "son of Wall" or "little ruler." It is common in Sweden and was often given to boys.

In English, the surname Wallin could have geographical or occupational origins. It might have been bestowed on someone living near a prominent wall, like a city wall, or someone who worked as a stone-mason or builder of walls. It is derived from the Old English word "wella," meaning a "spring," or "stream." People bearing this surname are found in early records of Yorkshire and Lancashire in England.

So, the surname Wallin can have different interpretations depending on its cultural context. Despite these variations, its meanings are generally linked to notions of power, skill, geography, and lineage.

Wallin: Where does the name Wallin come from?

The Wallin surname is most commonly found today in Scandinavia, but also has significant numbers in many other countries. In Sweden, the Wallin surname makes up about 0.38% of the total population, making it one of the hundred most common surnames. The Wallin populations are concentrated in the southern parts of the country, most notably in Västra Götaland and Skåne counties.

In neighbouring Denmark, the Wallin name is much less common and ranks outside the top 200 most common surnames in the country. There, the Wallin surname is especially present in Copenhagen and its neighbouring municipalities.

In Finland, the Wallin surname is also common, although slightly less so than in its Scandinavian cousin countries. Here, the Wallin surname is ranked as the country's 117th most common surname and is mostly concentrated in the south-western parts of the country.

Elsewhere in the world, the Wallin surname can be found scattered across North America and northern Europe, with large concentrations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway and the Netherlands. Its presence in these countries has likely come from the many Swedes, Danes and Finns who have migrated there over the years.

Variations of the surname Wallin

Wallin is a surname that is found in several different countries, including Sweden, Germany, England, and the United States. Depending on the region, the surname Wallin can have different spelling variations, such as Walline, Wallen, Wollin, Walin, Wallon, and Wallenius, as well as various other variants.

The precise origin of the Wallin surname is unclear, though it is believed to be derived from the Old English terms 'wallinga', which is a term used to describe someone who comes from an area surrounded by a wall, and 'wealle', which is derived from the Germanic word 'wall' or 'battlement'. It is possible that the name was first given to someone who worked in a wall-building profession, or who lived in a walled settlement.

In Sweden, the name Wallin is one of the most common surnames. The Wallin families can be traced back to the late 1600s, and the earliest documented bearer of the surname was Jöns Wallin, a blacksmith who lived in a small village called Vårlösa near Stockholm. Since then, the Wallin name has become widespread throughout Sweden, as well as other countries.

In places like Germany, the Wallin surname is also common. Its spelling in German would be Wällin, Wöllin, or Wallein. In England, the spelling is typically Wallen, Wallon, or Wallin. In the United States, Wallin is the most common spelling, while Wallen, Walline, and Wollin are also used.

In all countries, variations and spellings of the Wallin surname are evidence of its diverse and multi-national heritage.

Famous people with the name Wallin

• Abbie Wallin: Well-known American actress best known for her television roles in shows like Growing Pains and film roles such as Shatterpoint and Delusions of Grandeur.
• AAron Wallin: American dancer, fitness instructor, television presenter, and entrepreneur best known as a former “Trainer on NBC’s hit show The Biggest Loser.
• Aaron Wallin: American country singer and songwriter originally from Utah.
• Aimee Wallin: American actress who has been seen in films such as Jesse’s Girl, City Slickers, and He Knows You’re Alone.
• Blake Wallin: Canadian actor known for his roles in television series such as Stargate Atlantis, Saving Hope, and The CW’s Arrow.
• Charles Eugene Wallin: American World War I flying ace and test pilot.
• Chris Wallin: American country music singer and songwriter with 13 chart singles.
• Christian Wallin: Swedish multi-instrumentalist, composer, and actor known for his role in the original Tamil film 7G Rainbow Colony.
• Dave Wallin: American inventor, physicist, and robotics entrepreneur.
• Emily Wallin: American contemporary artist whose paintings, sculptures, and installations are exhibited around the world.
• Karin Wallin: Swedish politician who was Minister for Schools and former leader of the Centre Party.
• Kalle Wallin: Swedish music composer and producer, known for his work with global artists.
• Mabel Wallin: American children’s book author, best known for her autobiographical book My Very First Big Adventure.
• P. A. Wallin: Swedish architect who designed several public buildings in the early 20th century.
• Patrick Wallin: Canadian ice hockey player and coach, formerly a member of NHL expansion teams Phoenix Coyotes and Tampa Bay Lightning.
• Richard Wallin: American film and television producer, best known for his role in founding the independent film production company Rainlight Pictures.
• Steve Wallin: American politician and former mayor of the City of Pasadena, California.

Other surnames

WallingWallis