WANLESS
Wanless
Wanless is a surname of British origin, believed to have Scottish roots. The name is considered to be of locational origin, derived from the lost village of Wanless in Roxburghshire, Scotland. The village is said to have disappeared in the 17th century, contributing to the rarity of the surname.
History and Distribution
The Wanless surname is primarily found in the northern regions of England such as Northumberland, County Durham, and Yorkshire. Over time, individuals bearing the name Wanless have dispersed to other parts of the United Kingdom and even beyond its borders.
Notable Individuals
- John Wanless (1704–1790) – An English-born American Baptist preacher known for his religious work in the American colonies during the 18th century.
- Jonathan Wanless – A contemporary British artist renowned for his innovative use of digital media in creating intricate artworks.
- Rachel Wanless – A noted British scientist specialising in marine biology, particularly in the study of deep-sea ecosystems.
Modern Distribution
In modern times, the Wanless surname can be found among various professions and walks of life, indicating the diverse nature of those who bear the name. With the increasing global mobility of populations, the Wanless surname continues to spread beyond its original British roots.
References
- Burke, J. B. The Wanless family genealogy, Wanless Web. Retrieved from www.wanlessweb.org
- P. H. Reaney, R. M. Wilson. (2011). A dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
The surname Wanless carries with it a sense of historical intrigue and geographical connection, embodying the rich tapestry of British family names.
There are approximately 1,359 people named Wanless in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,805th most common surname in Britain. Around 21 in a million people in Britain are named Wanless.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- David
- George
- Ian
- James
- John
- Kenneth
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Stephen
Female
- Catherine
- Christine
- Emma
- Gail
- Jean
- Jennifer
- Jill
- Julie
- Karen
- Louise
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Victoria