Wells Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Wells come from? What does the surname Wells mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Wells and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Wells Origin: What does the last name Wells mean?
Wells is an English surname with possible origins from an old English word for Wales or a habitational surname from various places named with the term "well," meaning spring or stream. The name could also derive from an occupational term like "Wellman," denoting someone responsible for a village's spring. The earliest recorded mention of Wells dates back to 1177 in Norfolk, England. Variations of the surname include Well, Welman, Welles, Wellman, and Wellsman.
YourRoots data indicates that the Wells surname has been associated with the United Kingdom since the early 13th century. The name's presence expanded to the United States by the 16th century and has since spread globally to countries like Canada, India, Spain, Argentina, and more. Today, Wells remains a common surname with a rich history tied to various regions and cultures, reflecting its enduring legacy and evolution over time.
Wells Last Name History: Where did the last name Wells come from?
Origin of Wells Surname: Where does the last name Wells originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the earliest records of the surname Wells can be traced back to England in the United Kingdom around the early 13th century. It's important to note that this reflects only the records in YourRoots database for the exact spelling of ‚Äö"Wells" and does not include other sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Wells: What does the Wells surname history look like in the early days?
The "Wells" surname is closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 13th century through the 15th century according to the data from YourRoots. During this time, the volume of records with the Wells surname remained consistent in the United Kingdom. From the 16th century, the surname started to spread to other countries, notably the United States, which saw a significant increase in the volume of Wells records.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Wells surname today?
By the 16th century, the frequency of records with the Wells surname in the United States started to increase, surpassing the United Kingdom in the 17th century. This trend continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the Wells surname can be found in various countries around the globe, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries such as Canada, India, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Ireland, France, Nigeria, Turkey, Iceland, Latvia, Italy, Switzerland, Brazil, Norway, Australia, and Sweden.
Explore Wells last name heritage and Wells surname origin based on YourRoots Map data
VIEW THE ORIGIN OF SURNAME WELLS
Famous People With Wells Surame?
H. G. Wells
Herbert George Wells (21 Sept 1866 – 13 Aug 1946) was an English writer known as the "father of science fiction". He wrote classics like "The Time Machine" and "The War of the Worlds". Wells was also a social critic and futurist, predicting technologies like space travel and nuclear weapons. He was a prolific author, creating over fifty novels and many short stories. Wells's work continues to inspire and entertain readers worldwide.
Jaylen Wells
Jaylen Wells (August 26, 2003 - ) is an American basketball player known for his time with the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. Wells began his college career at Sonoma State University before transferring to Washington State University. He made a significant impact in his rookie season with the Grizzlies, earning recognition as the Western Conference Rookie of the Month. Unfortunately, his first year was cut short due to a broken right wrist. Despite the setback, Wells showed promise as a talented player in the league.
Dawn Wells
Dawn Elberta Wells (Oct 18, 1938 – Dec 30, 2020) was an American actress best known for her role as Mary Ann Summers on the iconic sitcom Gilligan's Island. Wells also appeared in various television series and movies throughout her career, showcasing her talent and versatility. She embraced her character's wholesome image and even wrote a cookbook and a guide to life inspired by Mary Ann. Wells' portrayal of Mary Ann continues to be beloved by fans, and her legacy in the entertainment industry lives on.
Ida B. Wells
Ida Bell Wells-Barnett (July 16, 1862 – March 25, 1931) was an American investigative journalist, sociologist, educator, and civil rights leader. She co-founded the NAACP and fought against prejudice and violence, especially towards African Americans. Wells documented and exposed the brutality of lynching in the U.S., advocating for measures to stop it. Born enslaved, she lost her parents to yellow fever at a young age but persevered, becoming a prominent figure in the women's suffrage movement. Wells was posthumously honored with a Pulitzer Prize for her courageous reporting on violence against African Americans during the lynching era.
Zeb Wells
Zeb Wells (April 28, 1977 - ) is an American comic book writer, screenwriter, director, and voice actor known for his work on Marvel Comics titles like Amazing Spider-Man and New Mutants. He is also a writer, director, and voice actor on the Adult Swim animated series Robot Chicken and the co-creator of SuperMansion. Wells has received both praise and criticism for his storytelling, particularly for his take on Spider-Man and other beloved characters in the Marvel universe.
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