Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Electoral Rolls
      • Birth, Marriage & Death, including Parish
      • Military
      • Wills & Probate
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Schools, Directories & Church Histories
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Blog
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
      • Careers
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2002-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Wannamaker

      Origin

      English

      Meaning

      Maker of Cloth or Fabric

      Variations

      Wanamaker, Annamarie, Annamaria
      The name Wannamaker is of English origin and translates to maker of cloth or fabric. It is a compound word derived from the Old English terms wann, meaning cloth or fabric, and maker, signifying someone who creates or produces. This occupational surname historically indicated a person engaged in the textile trade, reflecting the importance of fabric-making in medieval and early modern economies.

      The use of surnames began in England during the late Middle Ages, around the 12th century, as populations grew and individuals needed distinct identifiers. Wannamaker emerged during this period as an occupational surname, highlighting the profession of cloth-making, which was vital to the economy and daily life. Throughout history, those bearing the name contributed to the textile industry, which was a cornerstone of trade and commerce in various regions of England. The name has been recorded in historical documents, reflecting its roots in the social and economic fabric of the time.

      In contemporary society, Wannamaker is less common as a surname but remains associated with the textile and fashion industries. The name has also been popularized through notable figures such as John Wannamaker, an American merchant and creator of the modern department store concept in the late 19th century. Today, it may appear in various contexts related to fashion, craft, and entrepreneurship, embodying a legacy of creativity in fabric and textile production. As such, Wannamaker retains its historical significance while adapting to modern interpretations in culture and commerce.

      Based on our records...

      Brown

      Brown

      This is the most common surname associated with Wannamaker.
      Adcia

      Adcia

      This is the most common name of those married to a Wannamaker.
      An

      An

      This is the most common name for a child of a Wannamaker.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      calendar.webp
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1908 is when there were the most people born with the first name Wannamaker.

      Explore the origins of another name.