Wellstead History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Early Origins of the Wellstead family

The surname Wellstead 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 Wellstead family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wellstead 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 Wellstead History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wellstead 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 Wellstead 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 Wellstead Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wellstead migration to the United States +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wellstead Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Marie Wellstead, aged 38, originally from Westport, Ireland, arrived in New York in 1914 aboard the ship "Baltic" from Queenstown, Ireland 3
Harry Wellstead, aged 24, arrived in New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Imperator" from Southampton, England 3
Henry Wellstead, aged 24, arrived in New York City, New York in 1920 aboard the ship "Imperator" from Southampton, England 3
George Wellstead, aged 29, arrived in New York in 1924 aboard the ship "Antonia" from Southampton, England 3

Wellstead migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Wellstead Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Mr. Sansom Wellstead, English convict who was convicted in Dorchester, Dorset, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Cressy" on 28th April 1843, arriving in Tasmania (Van Diemen's Land) 4

Contemporary Notables of the name Wellstead (post 1700) +

John Wellstead, Australian farmer; his family settled in what would later become known as Wellstead in Western Australia in 1860; Bremer Bay, Western Australia was originally known as Wellstead from the first homestead built there in 1857

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)
Ellis Island Search retrieved 15th November 2022. Retrieved from https://heritage.statueofliberty.org/passenger-result
Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 21st May 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/cressy