Show ContentsWellsford History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Wellsford surname and its variations are habitation names that have been taken on from Welford in Berkshire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, and Northamptonshire. These place names are generally derived from the Old English "welig," meaning "willow," or "well," denoting "a spring," combined with "ford." 1 2

Most of the parishes date back to the Domesday Book of 1086 when they were known as Waliford (Berkshire), Wellesford (Northamptonshire) and Welleford Warwickshire. 3

Interestingly of the three parishes, the Berkshire parish is the oldest dating back to Saxon times in 949 when it was known as Weligforda. 4

Early Origins of the Wellsford family

The surname Wellsford was first found in Somerset where Roger de Wellesford was recorded in the Subsidy Rolls for 1327. 5 Richard de Welleford was registered in London temp. Edward II, according to the Placita de Quo Warranto. 1

Early History of the Wellsford family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wellsford research. Another 119 words (8 lines of text) covering the years 1190, 1461, 1606 and 1650 are included under the topic Early Wellsford History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wellsford Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Welford, Wellford, Welsford, Wellsford and others.

Early Notables of the Wellsford family

More information is included under the topic Early Wellsford Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Wellsford migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wellsford Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • Samuel Wellsford, who arrived in New York, NY in 1822


  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. Williams, Dr Ann. And G.H. Martin, Eds., Domesday Book A Complete Translation. London: Penguin, 1992. Print. (ISBN 0-141-00523-8)
  4. Mills, A.D., Dictionary of English Place-Names. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-19-869156-4)
  5. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)


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