Wragge

Wragge is an English surname derived from the Old Danish given name Wraghi, itself a variant of the Old Norse name Vragi. The root meaning of Vragi is uncertain, possibly referring to a "mooring post" or a seafaring context.

Etymology

The name Wragge originated in northern England, likely brought by Viking settlers during the Danelaw period (9th–11th centuries). The shift from the Old Norse Vragi to the Middle English form Wraghi and ultimately Wragge reflects Anglo-Scandinavian linguistic accommodation. The surname is alternatively spelled as _Wragg_, a common variant.

Notable Bearers

The surname Wragge has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields:

• Betty Wragge (born 1918), American actress.
• Chris Wragge (born 1970), American news anchor.
• Clement Lindley Wragge (1852–1922), English meteorologist known for his work in Australia and New Zealand, and for naming cyclones after personal adversaries.
• Edmund Wragge (1837–1929), British railway engineer.
• Ethan Wragge (born 1990), American basketball player.
• Frank Wragge (1898–?), English footballer.
• Sydney Wragge (1908–1978), American fashion designer; his B. H. Wragge label was a staple until 1971, and he served as the first president of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).
• Tony Wragge (born 1979), American football offensive lineman.

Related Surnames

The variant Wragg is equally common, and the surname shares a linguistic lineage with other Norse-inspired names from the region. _Wragge_ may sometimes appear with regional spelling variations such as _Wragg_ or _Wrag_.

• Meaning: Surname derived from an Old Norse byname possibly meaning "mooring post"
• Origin: English, from Old Scandinavian roots
• Type: Surname
• Notable Regions: England (especially northern), United States