WELLS
Wells
Wells is a surname of English origin, derived from the topographic name for someone who lived near a spring or stream, or was from a town named Wells. It is a common surname in the United Kingdom and can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
History and Origin
The surname Wells has ancient origins and is likely to have originated in the pre-7th century era. The name is primarily locational, denoting a person who lived near a well or spring. The first recorded instances of the name date back to early medieval times in England. The surname may also be derived from the Old English word "waella," meaning a spring or stream.
Distribution and Popularity
The surname Wells is widespread across the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Yorkshire, Devon, Cornwall, and Kent. Over the centuries, individuals bearing the surname Wells have migrated to various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable People
Notable individuals with the surname Wells include:
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H.G. Wells - English writer best known for his science fiction novels such as "The War of the Worlds" and "The Time Machine."
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Kitty Wells - American country music singer known as the "Queen of Country Music" for her pioneering contributions to the genre.
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Ida B. Wells - African American journalist, suffragist, and civil rights activist who was a prominent figure in the anti-lynching movement.
Legacy
The surname Wells has left a lasting impact on various fields, including literature, music, and civil rights advocacy. Individuals bearing the name continue to contribute to diverse areas of society, carrying on the legacy of their ancestors.
In conclusion, the surname Wells holds a rich history and has been borne by notable individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. Its origins rooted in the English landscape have given rise to a diverse and widespread family name that continues to be passed down through generations.
There are approximately 43,437 people named Wells in the UK. That makes it the 166th most common surname in Britain. Around 667 in a million people in Britain are named Wells.
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
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Sally
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
- Atwell
- Well
- Walls
- Wals
- Wales
- Weal
- Wall
- Wallis
- Wallas
- Walis
- Walz
- Walus
- Walas
- Wealls
- Weals
- Weall
- Wails
- Waell
- Weel
- Wella
- Weell
- Weells
- Weels
- Wehl
- Weighll
- Weil
- Wele
- Weles
- Welis
- Welle
- Welles
- Wellis
- Wellls
- Wellsh
- Welly
- Wels
- Welss
- Welz
- Whails
- Wheals
- Wheeles
- Wheels
- Whell
- Whells
- Whills
- Will
- Willes
- Wills
- Wils
- Welch
- Welds
- Welley
- Wellie
- Wellms
- Wellow
- Wellrs
- Welms
- Welsch
- Welsh
- Welts
- Whales
- Whall
- Wheal
- Wheelis
- Whill
- Wiehl
- Wille
- Wale
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.