WOOLSEY
Woolsey
Woolsey is a British surname of Anglo-Saxon origin that can be traced back to medieval times. The name is believed to have derived from the Old English word "wulf-sige," which means "victory of the wolf."
Origin and Distribution
The surname Woolsey is predominantly found in the United Kingdom, especially in regions such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Essex. Over the years, families with the surname Woolsey have spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Individuals
Notable individuals bearing the surname Woolsey include:
- John Woolsey (1896-1958) - An influential American judge who presided over several high-profile cases during the mid-20th century.
- Anne Woolsey (b. 1980) - A British author known for her works of historical fiction set in the Victorian era.
Coat of Arms
The Woolsey family coat of arms typically features symbols associated with strength, courage, and nobility. Common elements include a shield with a wolf motif and a motto reflecting the family's values or beliefs.
References
- Hanks, P., & Hodges, F. (1988). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press.
- Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. London, England: Routledge.
There are approximately 724 people named Woolsey in the UK. That makes it roughly the 9,453rd most common surname in Britain. Around 11 in a million people in Britain are named Woolsey.
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
- Christopher
- David
- Ian
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Carol
- Caroline
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Sarah
- Susan
- Tracy
- Wendy