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 writerAlex de Waal (born 1963), British social anthropologist and researcher on African issuesAnastasia de Waal, British educationistAndré de Waal (born 1960), Dutch author, assistant professor, business owner and consultantAnna de Waal (1906–1981), Dutch politicianAnton de Waal (1837–1917), German Christian archeologist and Roman Catholic church historianEdmund de Waal (born 1964), British ceramic artistFrans de Waal (born 1948), Dutch ethologistHugo de Waal (1935–2007) Bishop of Thetford, cousin of VictorJeanna 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 politicianPieter de Waal (1899–1977), South African military commanderRein de Waal (1904–1985), Dutch field hockey playerSimon de Waal (born 1961), Dutch writerThomas de Waal (born 1966), British journalistVictor de Waal (born 1929), British Anglican priest, father of Alex, Edmund and ThomasWillem de Waal (born 1978), South African rugby union footballer