Show ContentsWilsford History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Wilsford family

The surname Wilsford was first found in either Lincolnshire or Wiltshire. Both counties have parishes named Wilsford. Of the two, the Wiltshire parish is the oldest as it dates back to Saxon times when it was known as Wifelesford in 892. Both were listed in the Domesday Book of 1086 with the same spelling: Wivelesford. 1

The place names mean "ford of a man called 'Wifel,'" from the Old English personal name + ford. 2

As far as early rolls are concerned, we found Heldewin de Wiuelesford in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire in 1177 and Juetta de Wiuelesford in the Pipe Rolls for Wiltshire in 1201. 3

Early History of the Wilsford family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wilsford research. Another 169 words (12 lines of text) covering the years 1091, 1106, 1432, 1455, 1487, 1510 and 1600 are included under the topic Early Wilsford History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wilsford Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Wilsford, Willsford, Willfort, Willesford, Wilesford, Willsfort, Willesfort, Wyllsford, Wyllesford, Wylesford and many more.

Early Notables of the Wilsford family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • the Wilsford family of Devon


United States Wilsford migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wilsford Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Thomas and Bridget Wilsford, who settled in Virginia in 1653
Wilsford Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Henry Wilsford, who arrived in London, England in 1734
Wilsford Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Samuel Wilsford, who settled in New York, NY in 1822


  1. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  2. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  3. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


Houseofnames.com on Facebook