Wayland

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Wayland

Wayland is an English boy name, which has 7 letters.

Wayland is an Anglo-Saxon name derived from the Old English words waegl, meaning “wave”, and land, meaning “land”. It is associated with the mythical figure Wayland the Smith, a smith god in Germanic mythology. The name can also be interpreted to mean “traveler over the waves”.

Pronuncation way-luhnd

Alternate Meaning Near the path

Origin or Current Usage English

Gender M

Rating

Be the first one to vote!

Log in to save this name to your favorites.

What to Expect When You're Expecting

Buy On Amazon

The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be

Buy On Amazon

Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to Your Baby's First Years

Buy On Amazon

Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy

Buy On Amazon
These are affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Detailed Information About The Name Wayland

The name "Wayland" is a variant of the Old English name "Weland", which has ancient Germanic origins. The origin of the name can be traced back to Norse mythology, where Wayland the Smith, or Völundr in Old Norse, was a legendary skilled blacksmith and craftsman. According to the mythology, Wayland was captured by a greedy king and forced to work for him, but he eventually sought revenge by killing the king's sons and raping his daughter. In later European folklore, Wayland became known as a mischievous character who lived in a cave and used his exceptional craftsmanship to create magical objects. Wayland's association with blacksmithing and craftsmanship has led to the name becoming associated with craftsmanship and artistry in general.

The popularity of the name Wayland began to rise in the 19th century when naming trends shifted towards unique and antique names. It experienced a brief surge of popularity in the early 1900s but gradually declined in usage. Despite being relatively uncommon, Wayland continues to be used as a given name, particularly in English-speaking countries. It is often chosen by parents who appreciate its historical and mythical significance or are drawn to its distinctiveness. Notable individuals with the name Wayland include Wayland Wells, an American professional baseball player, and Wayland Holyfield, an American country music songwriter.

Overall, the name Wayland carries a rich history and cultural background steeped in mythology and craftsmanship. Its resonance with legendary figures and its association with skilled trades make it an intriguing choice for those seeking a unique and meaningful name for their child.

Search Baby Names & Meanings

Search our growing database of baby names to find just the right name for your baby or to find out what your own name means!

Celebrity Baby Names

Celebrity baby names are usually not conventional, but some of them become popular. Here is our growing list of celebrity baby names.

Celebrity Baby Names

Naming Your Baby

Picking a name is one of the most important things you will do for your child, so why not take some time to look through our collection of baby naming resources.

Naming Your Baby

Unusual Baby Names

Unique or unusual baby names are tempting when it is time to name your child; however, you should also be aware of the pitfalls that a unique name might have.

Unusual Baby Names

Biblical Baby Names

Biblical names are some of the most widely used names, and for good reason. The tradition and history behind these names makes them a great choice!

Biblical Baby Names

Types of Baby Names

The baby name collection on this site is constantly evolving, and a good way to browse through our database is selecting the type of name you are interested in.

Types of Baby Names