Wanlay History, Family Crest & Coats of ArmsThe surname Wanlay 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 Wanlay familyThe surname Wanlay 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 Wanlay familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wanlay 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 Wanlay History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wanlay Spelling VariationsThe name Wanlay, appeared in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelt Wandless, Wanless, Wanliss, Wanlace, Wanley, Wanlass, Wanles and many more. Early Notables of the Wanlay familyNotable 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... Migration of the Wanlay familyThe New World beckoned as many of the settlers in Ireland, known as the Scotch/Irish, became disenchanted. 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." Amongst the early settlers who could be considered kinsmen of the Wanlay family, or who bore a variation of the surname Wanlay were Elizabeth Wanless landed in America in 1750.
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