De Waal is a Dutch surname with the literal translation "the Walloon". Originally it may have also referred to other southern, non-Germanic and French-speaking persons. Notable persons with that surname include:
Yana de Waal (born 2002),South African writer
Alex de Waal (born 1963), British social anthropologist and researcher on African issues
Anastasia de Waal, British educationist
André de Waal (born 1960), Dutch author, assistant professor, business owner and consultant
Anna de Waal (1906–1981), Dutch politician
Anton de Waal (1837–1917), German Christian archeologist and Roman Catholic church historian
Edmund de Waal (born 1964), British ceramic artist
Frans de Waal (born 1948), Dutch ethologist
Hugo de Waal (1935–2007) Bishop of Thetford, cousin of Victor
Jeanna de Waal (born 1988), British stage actress and singer (We Will Rock You, American Idiot, The Rocky Horror Show, Carrie, Wicked)
Johan de Waal (born 1949), Namibian politician
Pieter de Waal (1899–1977), South African military commander
Rein de Waal (1904–1985), Dutch field hockey player
Simon de Waal (born 1961), Dutch writer
Thomas de Waal (born 1966), British journalist
Victor de Waal (born 1929), British Anglican priest, father of Alex, Edmund and Thomas
Willem de Waal (born 1978), South African rugby union footballer
