Windrows History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Origins Available:
England

Etymology of Windrows

What does the name Windrows mean?

The name Windrows is an occupational name for a "worker at the winding house’ (for threads, yarn, etc.) from the root word Winder." 1 Other researchers agree. 2 3

Other sources postulate different origins of the name: "the termination us is usually a contraction of house; thus Malthus stands for Malthouse, Woodus for Woodhouse, Loftus for Lofthouse, &c. By analogy, Windus would stand for Windhouse-probably a residence in an exposed situation." 4

Another source claims the name is derived from "Windrush; a location name in Gloucestershire." 5

However, we believe the occupational origin of the name is more accurate as we will explore below.

Early Origins of the Windrows family

The surname Windrows was first found in Yorkshire where William de Wyndhows was listed in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. A few years later, Thomas Wyndhouse was listed as a Freeman of York in 1431 as was William Wyndowes in 1458. Later, William Wyndes was listed in the same source in 1530. All of the last three entries were weavers. 1

Early History of the Windrows family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Windrows research. Another 82 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1431, 1455 and 1487 are included under the topic Early Windrows History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Windrows Spelling Variations

Windrows has been spelled many different ways. Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Many variations of the name Windrows have been found, including Windhouse, Windows, Windus, Winders, Windes, Windos, Windo, Windoes, Wyndows, Wyndowes, Wyndo, Wyndow, Wyndoe, Windros, Windross, Windrows and many more.

Early Notables of the Windrows family

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

Migration of the Windrows family

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Windrowss to arrive on North American shores: the name represented in many forms and 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..

Sources +

Reaney, P.H and R.M. Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames. London: Routledge, 1991. Print. (ISBN 0-415-05737-X)
Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
Harrison, Henry, Surnames of the United Kingdom: A Concise Etymological Dictionary Baltimore: Geneological Publishing Company, 2013. Print
Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
Barber, Henry, British Family Names London: Elliot Stock, 62 Paternoster Row, 1894. Print.