Wrexham (Welsh: Wrecsam) is a city in north-east Wales, situated between the Welsh mountains and the lower Dee Valley near the English border. It was officially awarded city status in 2022, and with a built-up area population of 44,785 (2021 census), it is the largest settlement in North Wales and the seventh largest in Wales. Historically a regional trade and administration center founded before the 11th century, it was once the largest settlement in Wales during the 17th century and became a major hub for coal and lead mining, iron, steel, and brewing during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it serves as a center for manufacturing, retail, and education, and is famous for Wrexham A.F.C. (one of the world's oldest professional football teams), the National Trust property Erddig, and the Tudor church of St Giles. The name likely derives from the Old English personal name "Wryhtel" and "hamm" (meaning river meadow), first recorded as "Wristlesham" in 1161, evolving into the modern Welsh name Wrecsam.