| ![Show Contents]() Wendsliss History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
The surname Wendsliss 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 Wendsliss familyThe surname Wendsliss 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 Wendsliss familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wendsliss 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 Wendsliss History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Wendsliss Spelling VariationsAlthough the name, Wendsliss, appeared in many references, from time to time, the surname was shown with the spellings Wandless, Wanless, Wanliss, Wanlace, Wanley, Wanlass, Wanles and many more. Early Notables of the Wendsliss 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 Wendsliss Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Migration of the Wendsliss familyGradually becoming disenchanted with life in Ireland many of these uprooted families sailed aboard the armada of sailing ships known as the "White Sails" which plied the stormy Atlantic. These overcrowded ships often arrived with only 60 to 70% of their original passenger list, many dying of cholera, typhoid, dysentery or small pox. In North America, some of the first immigrants who could be considered kinsmen of the Wendsliss family name Wendsliss, or who bore a variation of the surname 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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