Windus History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe name Windus is an occupational name for a "worker at the winding house’ (for threads, yarn, etc.) from the root word Winder." 1 Other researchers agree. 2 3 Other sources postulate different origins of the name: "the termination us is usually a contraction of house; thus Malthus stands for Malthouse, Woodus for Woodhouse, Loftus for Lofthouse, &c. By analogy, Windus would stand for Windhouse-probably a residence in an exposed situation." 4 Another source claims the name is derived from "Windrush; a location name in Gloucestershire." 5 However, we believe the occupational origin of the name is more accurate as we will explore below. Early Origins of the Windus familyThe surname Windus was first found in Yorkshire where William de Wyndhows was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. A few years later, Thomas Wyndhouse was listed as a Freeman of York in 1431 as was William Wyndowes in 1458. Later, William Wyndes was listed in the same source in 1530. All of the last three entries were weavers. 1 Early History of the Windus familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Windus research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1431, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Windus History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Windus Spelling VariationsThe English language only became standardized in the last few centuries; therefore, spelling variations are common among early Anglo-Saxon names. As the form of the English language changed, even the spelling of literate people's names evolved. Windus has been recorded under many different variations, including Windhouse, Windows, Windus, Winders, Windes, Windos, Windo, Windoes, Wyndows, Wyndowes, Wyndo, Wyndow, Wyndoe, Windros, Windross, Windrows and many more. Early Notables of the Windus familyMore information is included under the topic Early Windus Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.
For many English families, the political and religious disarray that shrouded England made the far away New World an attractive prospect. On cramped disease-ridden ships, thousands migrated to those British colonies that would eventually become Canada and the United States. Those hardy settlers that survived the journey often went on to make important contributions to the emerging nations in which they landed. Analysis of immigration records indicates that some of the first North American immigrants bore the name Windus or a variant listed above: Windus Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
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