Show ContentsWhissleford History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Early Origins of the Whissleford family

The surname Whissleford was first found in Somerset where Osbert le Wistler was listed in the Assize Rolls of 1243. 1

"This surname is derived from a nickname. 'the whistler,' one who was constantly whistling. The sobriquet would readily fasten itself upon the bearer, and as it denoted a cheery spirit would not be unacceptable to the nominee." 2 3

Alternatively, some sources note that the name could have been an occupational name for someone who "blew a pipe." 4 5

Continuing our quest through early English rolls, we note that Thomas le Whistlar was listed in Somerset, 9 Edward II (during the ninth year of King Edward II's reign) 6 and the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379 includes Johannes Whisteler as holding lands there at that time. 2

Early History of the Whissleford family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Whissleford research. Another 210 words (15 lines of text) covering the years 1327, 1607, 1608, 1619, 1626, 1648, 1652, 1653, 1654, 1659, 1674, 1678, 1682, 1683, 1684 and 1800 are included under the topic Early Whissleford History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Whissleford Spelling Variations

Spelling variations of this family name include: Whistler, Whissler, Whistle, Whissle, Wissell, Wisseller, Wisseler, Whistle, Wisle, Wissel, Wisel, Wissell, Whisseller, Whissel, Wistlecraft and many more.

Early Notables of the Whissleford family

Distinguished members of the family include Daniel Whistler (1619-1684), an English physician of Elvington, Oxfordshire, Gresham Professor of Geometry (1648), President of the College of Physicians (1683.) He was the son of William Whistler of Elvington, Oxfordshire, and was born at Walthamstow in Essex. "On 13 June 1648 he was elected professor of geometry at Gresham College, and was at the same time Linacre reader at Oxford. He took care of wounded seamen in the Dutch war of 1652, and in October 1653 was desired to accompany...
Another 87 words (6 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Whissleford Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Whissleford family

Some of the first settlers of this family name or some of its variants were: settlers who were recorded from the mid 17th century in the great migration from Europe. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard from Newfoundland, to Maine, to Virginia, the Carolinas, and to the islands. Many settled in Philadelphia..



  1. Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
  2. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  3. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  4. Smith, Eldson Coles, New Dictionary of American Family Names New York: Harper & Row, 1956. Print
  5. Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
  6. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.


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