Surname Windley - Meaning and Origin

Windley: What does the surname Windley mean?

The last name Windley is of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is derived from the Old English word "windan," which means 'to wind.'

This surname is derived from the Old English given name "Weandla," which was used to describe someone who lived or worked near a winding road or path. This was most likely a reference to an individual who lived or worked near a bend or curving stretch of road or path. In the Middle Ages, these individuals would be responsible for the upkeep of these roads or portions of a roadway.

The Windley surname is frequently found in southern and southwestern counties of England. It is also quite common in the southwest United States and Mexico. It is rare in Scotland and has not been recorded in any official records.

Today, Windley is most often used as a surname. It is a unique last name with a classic Anglo-Saxon meaning. Its mode of origin and early distribution are a testament to the ingenuity of its bearer. It is a surname possessing delightfully humble origins that have been passed through time and continue to have relevance in modern life.

Windley: Where does the name Windley come from?

The last name Windley is primarily found in the United States. Specifically, it is most common in southern states, as well as in the midwestern states of Ohio and Illinois. The surname is especially prominent in Tennessee, where it is the 132nd most common last name.

The first record of Windley in the United States was in 1690, when a James Windley arrived in North Carolina from Yorkshire, England. Over the years, the Windley family has spread throughout the American South and Midwest. While some may have spread throughout the United States, the largest concentration of Windleys is still in the South.

In addition to the United States, Windleys can also be found in select other parts of the world. Today, one can find the surname in Canada, Mexico, and Australia. It is also present in parts of the United Kingdom, primarily in England.

Given its origin in Yorkshire, England, and its prevalence in the United States, Windley is an Anglo-Saxon surname. The meaning of the name is thought to derive from “windehilda,” meaning “fighting woman.” This name had a strong presence in the Midlands of England and it was brought across the Atlantic by the early Windleys.

The ancestral origins of the Windley surname are likely to be found in Yorkshire England. It is present in many parts of the world today, with the majority of Windleys living in the United States. It is most common in the Southern states, as well as Ohio and Illinois. Despite its prevalence, the last name Windley still retains its unique meaning.

Variations of the surname Windley

Windley is a surname that is believed to be of Anglo-Saxon origin. Its variants and spellings include Windly, Wyndly, Wyndley, Wyndlee, Wynlye and Windlay.

Windley is a surname that is quite common in England. Records of the name date back to the thirteenth century in Oxfordshire. The earliest recorded spelling of the name was Windelea, and it appears in an ancient charter document dated 1197.

The Windley surname is also believed to be derived from a topographical name, which was a name responding to a specific geographical feature. The name could refer to someone who lived in or near a windy field. Another possible origin is from the Old French words “wendeler” or “vendeler”, which means “to wander” and could have been the name of a wanderer.

Surname variants of Windley might include Windle and Windall. It might also be confused with Wooley, which is a much rarer surname.

Overall, Windley is a common surname in England, with many variations based on its geographical and topographical roots.

Famous people with the name Windley

• John Windley: Contemporary English professional footballer who plays as a defender for Portsmouth
• Julie Windley: Professional Australian Tennis Player
• David Windley: American professional racecar driver
• Blair Windley: American academic, author, and editor, who currently serves as the head of TheageBooks.com
• Kit Windley: English Television actor, best known for playing the role of Dougie in Channel 4's "The Gang Show Kids"
• Deborah Windley: South African model, best known for appearing on the cover of Elle magazine
• Michelle Windley: American singer-songwriter who is popularly known for her song "Tears of Heaven"
• Paul Windley: British professional middleweight kickboxer
• Ryan Windley: English rugby union player
• Robert Windley: American professional basketball player who played with the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA.

Other surnames

Windly