| ![Show Contents]() Wendsless History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The surname Wendsless 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 Wendsless familyThe surname Wendsless 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 Wendsless familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wendsless 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 Wendsless History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wendsless Spelling VariationsThe name Wendsless, 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 Wendsless 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...
Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Wendsless Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Wendsless 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 Wendsless family, or who bore a variation of the surname Wendsless were Elizabeth Wanless landed in America in 1750.
- Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
- Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)
- Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.
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