Walstead History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Walstead family

The surname Walstead was first found in Cambridgeshire where the first on record was Robert de Wellested who was listed there in 1305. Later Walter atte Wellesheuede, atte Willeshefde was listed in 1327 and 1333 in Somerset and in this case the name could have been derived from Wellshead, near Exford. The name literally meant 'dweller at the upper end of the stream', from Old English heafod 'head' and wella. 1

Another source notes the name is "derived from a geographical locality. 'at the well stead,' i.e. the dwelling or homestead by the well. I cannot find the spot. It is clear, however, that it is a West-country name. The variants are somewhat numerous." 2

Early History of the Walstead family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Walstead research. Another 49 words (4 lines of text) covering the years 1585, 1608, 1667, 1671, 1685, 1688, 1692, 1717, 1718, 1734, 1735, 1741 and 1747 are included under the topic Early Walstead History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Walstead Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Wellstead, Wesllsted, Wellsteed, Wellsted, Wellstood, Welstead, Willstead, Willsteed, Wellshead, Welstood, Welsted, Wellstead, Willsteed and many more.

Early Notables of the Walstead family

Distinguished members of the family include Leonard Welsted (1688-1747), English poet, born at Abington, Northamptonshire. "His father, Leonard Welsted, was elected from Westminster school to Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1667; was prebendary of York, and rector of Abington from 1685 to 1692, when he became vicar...
Another 46 words (3 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Walstead Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Walstead family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: settlers, who arrived along the eastern seaboard, from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands.

Citations +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)