Surname Winstanley - Meaning and Origin
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Winstanley: What does the surname Winstanley mean?
The last name Winstanley is an English surname of Anglo-Saxon origin. It is believed to be derived from the Old English personal name Winstan, composed of two elements; wine, which translates as "friend," and stan, meaning "stone." This could indicate a friend of the stone, or someone who lived near a stone.
The first record of the Winstanley surname is from 1201, with Richard Winstanley listed in the Pipe Rolls of Lincolnshire. Later variations of the name included Winestone and Wynstanley. It is thought that the surname was originally found in Lancashire, and spread to other English counties from there.
The Winstanley family is known to have been influential in the early development of the English language and culture, as particular members of the family were noted at various court roles and served as sheriffs and justices in various English counties during the Medieval and Renaissance periods.
Today, the Winstanley surname is quite popular in the modern era. It is especially widespread across the United Kingdom, though it also appears in small numbers in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. From its roots as an Anglo-Saxon name, the Winstanley name is a reminder of the rich history of England and its people.
Order DNA origin analysisWinstanley: Where does the name Winstanley come from?
The surname Winstanley is mainly found in the United Kingdom. The most common counties of England in which people with the Winstanley surname are found are Lancashire, West Yorkshire and Cheshire.
The surname has been present in Britain since the 12th century, possibly originating from the town of Winstanley in Lancashire. The Winstanleys were a prominent family in the Northwest of England. Records of the Winstanley name can be found in the village of Wigan as far back as 1290.
The population of Winstanley in the United Kingdom is spread out across the country with some being concentrated in London, Manchester, and Birmingham.
The Winstanley surname is particularly common in the town of Wigan in Lancashire where the family first established itself centuries ago. In Wigan, there is even a pub called The Winstanley Arms that is named after the Winstanley family.
Outside the United Kingdom, the Winstanley surname is less common but there are still people with the surname living in countries around the world like the United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand.
Variations of the surname Winstanley
The surname Winstanley has several different variant spellings and variants, plus some additional surnames which derive from the same origin.
The original spelling of the surname is Winstanley. Variant spellings include Winstone, Wynstanley, Winiston, Winsted, Wynston, Wineson, Wynstan, Wiston, and Wynestan. Other surnames derived from Winstanley include Winstone, Wynston, Wynstone, Wynstan, and Wyneston.
Winstanley is an old English patronymic surname, derived from the Anglo-Saxon personal name Winta or Winnet, meaning ‘blessed’ or ‘joyful’. It is also thought to possibly be associated with the Celtic word winn, meaning ‘white’ or ‘fair’.
Winstanley is quite a popular surname, particularly in the northern and western regions of England. It is a widely distributed surname which can also be found in countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.
The name Winstanley has a long and rich history: it remains an important part of the British identity, even today. Its many variants are symbolic of just how far-reaching the name Winstanley has truly become.
Famous people with the name Winstanley
- Danny Winstanley: British comedian, writer and actor
- Andy Winstanley: English former footballer, currently a coach
- Lisa Winstanley: Olympic bronze medalist and former competitive swimmer
- Sam Winstanley: British landscape painter
- May Winstanley: English painter known for her drawings of plants and insects
- Will Winstanley: English cricketer
- John Winstanley: rock guitarist and singer
- Patrick Winstanley: English footballer
- Christina Winstanley: barrister and former mayor of Carlisle
- John Winstanley: associate professor and a literary theorist at Monash University
- Charles Winstanley: Englishman who composed music for various films in the 1940s and 1950s
- Mary Winstanley O'Connor: American attorney and politician
- Cissie Winstanley: English rugby league footballer
- Bob Winstanley: British Formula One driver in the 1950s
- Chris Winstanley: English former professional footballer