Wendles History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England
Scotland

Etymology of Wendles

What does the name Wendles mean?

The surname Wendles is generally thought to have been a nickname derived from the Middle English word "wanles" meaning "hopeless, luckless" 1 and is found in northern England and in later years in Scotland.

However, on source disagrees and notes the name is "of uncertain origin, the usual definitions offered being, I think, improbable." 2

Early Origins of the Wendles family

The surname Wendles was first found in Northumberland. "Wanlace and Wanless are names peculiar to Northumberland" 3 recorded in 1523. 2

In Scotland, "Simon Wanles was a monk of Melrose, 1451, Robert Wanless, [was a] witness in Linlithgow, 1538. Robert Wandles was admitted deacon of Coupar-Angus in 1683, and John Wanles was tenant in Pitrodie, 1711." 2

Early History of the Wendles family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wendles research. Another 107 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1451, 1538, 1634, 1655, 1671, 1672, 1680, 1711 and 1726 are included under the topic Early Wendles History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wendles Spelling Variations

The name, Wendles, occurred in many references, and from time to time, it was spelt Wandless, Wanless, Wanliss, Wanlace, Wanley, Wanlass, Wanles and many more.

Early Notables of the Wendles family

Notable amongst the family name during their early history was Humphrey Wanley (1672-1726), English antiquary, born at Coventry on 21 March 1671 and baptised on 10 April, the son of Nathaniel Wanley. His...
Another 33 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wendles Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Wendles family

The New World beckoned settlers from the Scottish-English borders. They sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. Some called them, less romantically, the "coffin ships." Among the early settlers bearing the Wendles surname who came to North America were: Elizabeth Wanless landed in America in 1750.

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.