Wheeler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms 

Origins Available: 
  England 
  Ireland 


The many generations and branches of the Wheeler family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a wheelwright. In medieval times wheels were wooden and quite fragile and high maintenance. Thus there was a high demand for both wheels and skilled people to make and repair them. 1

"The name of Houelleur which means 'charron' [cartwright] in English, is as common, at least in the Cotentin, as that of Carron or Charron. I imagine that it was introduced into Normandy during the thirty-two years' occupation of this country by the English. " 2

Accordingly, the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Osmondus Huielor, Normandy 1198; William and Roger Huelier, 1180-95. 3

Early Origins of the Wheeler family

The surname Wheeler was first found in Worcestershire where they held a family seat from ancient times, before and after the Norman Conquest in 1066, at Martin Hussingtree. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 has only one listing for the family: Hugh le Welere, Cambridgeshire. 1 Kirby's Quest lists "William Wheler, Somerset, 1 Edward III. [during the first year's reign of King Edward III] " 4

Early History of the Wheeler family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wheeler research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1591, 1601, 1603, 1604, 1608, 1615, 1620, 1642, 1647, 1648, 1650, 1656, 1664, 1683, 1686, 1691, 1694, 1723 and 1727 are included under the topic Early Wheeler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wheeler Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Wheeler were recorded, including Wheeler, Wheler, Wheller and others.

Early Notables of the Wheeler family

Distinguished members of the family include

Wheeler World Ranking

In the United States, the name Wheeler is the 208th most popular surname with an estimated 126,837 people with that name. 5 However, in Canada, the name Wheeler is ranked the 590th most popular surname with an estimated 8,524 people with that name. 6 And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Wheeler is the 77th popular surname with an estimated 355 people with that name. 7 Australia ranks Wheeler as 333rd with 10,705 people. 8 New Zealand ranks Wheeler as 268th with 2,253 people. 9 The United Kingdom ranks Wheeler as 230th with 25,192 people. 10

Migration of the Wheeler family to Ireland

Some of the Wheeler family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 41 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


Wheeler migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Wheeler family emigrate to North America:

Wheeler Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
Wheeler Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
Wheeler Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
Wheeler Settlers in United States in the 20th Century

Wheeler migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wheeler Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
Wheeler Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Wheeler migration to Australia +

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

Wheeler Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century

Wheeler migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Wheeler Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century

Wheeler migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. 19
Wheeler Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century

Contemporary Notables of the name Wheeler (post 1700) +


The Wheeler Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Avito jure
Motto Translation: By ancestral right.


Suggested Readings for the name Wheeler +
Fastest Delivery Possible

Digital Products on Checkout, all other products filled in 1 business day

Money Back Guarantee

Yes, all products 100% Guraranteed

BBB A+ Rating

The Best Rating possible

Secure Online Payment

Entire site uses SSL / Secure Certificate