Alternatively, the name may be of local origin, belonging to the category of surnames derived from the place where the initial bearer once lived or held land. In this instance, the name may be derived from the Middle High German "wall" meaning "wall, especially a wall around a town". Here the name may indicate "one who dwelled at, or near, a wall".
It is also possible that the name is patronymic in origin, derived from the first name of the father of the initial bearer. In this case, the name denotes "son of Wahl", a pet or short form of personal names derived from the Old High German "witu" meaning "wood". This became the root of personal names such as Walbert (wood-bright), Walfried (wood-peace), Walhard (wood-hard) and Walhem (wood- protection).
The earliest record of this surname dates back to the thirteenth century when one Bertholdus dictus Walhe was recorded as being a citizen of Markdorf in 1299. In 1368 on Chuontz Wall was a citizen of Saulgau and one der (the) Wale was living in Barth in 1383.
Blazon of Arms: Argent, two hooks gules, placed in saltire, handles in base, between two roses of the same. one in chief and one in base.
Crest: A vol argent, each wing charged with a rose gules.
Origin: Germany
