Wainwright

Wainwright is a surname of English origin. It is an occupational name derived from the Middle English words wain, meaning wagon, and wright, meaning maker or craftsman. The term historically described a person who built or repaired wagons and carts. The name has since spread beyond its rustic roots and appears in various place names and as a surname in English-speaking countries.

Notable individuals bearing the name include Alfred Wainwright (1907–1991), an English topographer and guidebook author renowned for the seven-volume Pictorial Guide to the Lakeland Fells, which helped popularize walking in the Lake District. Jonathan M. Wainwright (1883–1953) was a United States Army general and Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the World War II campaign in the Philippines. Oliver Wainwright (born 1983) is a British journalist and architectural critic for The Guardian.

Places and institutions named Wainwright include Wainwright, Alberta, a town in central Alberta, Canada. Fort Wainwright, located near Fairbanks, Alaska, is a United States Army installation named in honor of General Jonathan M. Wainwright. The name also appears in various geographic features, schools, and organizations across the English-speaking world, reflecting both its occupational origin and its adoption as a familial or commemorative designation.