Show ContentsWelsfore History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The Welsfore 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 Welsfore family

The surname Welsfore 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 Welsfore family

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

Welsfore Spelling Variations

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

Early Notables of the Welsfore family

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

Migration of the Welsfore family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: Robt. Welford, who arrived in Philadelphia in 1805; Thomas Wellford, whose oath of Allegiance was recorded in Philadelphia in 1815; 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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