# Wallace

/ˈwɔɫəs/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/wallace
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a surname

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a common last name that comes from Scotland.

For teachers: a Scottish surname, originally a nickname meaning 'foreigner' or 'Welshman', famously associated with the patriot William Wallace.

- The history book discussed the life and death of William Wallace.
- The Wallace monument stands as a prominent landmark overlooking the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge.

### 2. a male first name

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

a traditional first name for a man.

For teachers: a masculine given name transferred from the surname, which gained popularity in the 19th century.

- Wallace Stevens was a famous American poet who worked for an insurance company.
- The protagonist, Wallace, navigates the complexities of academic life in the award-winning novel.

### 3. a place name

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the name of several towns and cities, especially in the United States and Canada.

For teachers: a toponym used for various municipalities and geographical features across English-speaking countries.

- They decided to stop for lunch in the small town of Wallace.
- The geological survey focused on the region surrounding Wallace, Idaho, known for its rich mining history.

## Examples

- William Wallace is a famous hero in Scottish history.
- The professor introduced Dr. Wallace as the keynote speaker for the upcoming international physics conference.
- While the name Wallace is most famously associated with the Scottish wars of independence, it remains a prevalent surname across the English-speaking world due to centuries of migration.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.