Surname Wellby - Meaning and Origin

Wellby: What does the surname Wellby mean?

The last name Wellby is an English name of Anglo-Saxon origin. The name derived from the Old English words 'waell' and 'by', which mean 'spring' or 'stream' and 'settlement' or 'farm' respectively. Put together, this name refers to someone who lived at or near a spring or stream.

The earliest recorded use of the surname Wellby is believed to have been in the 12th century when a William de Wellby appeared in the English register of Battle Abbey. Historical records indicate that the Wellby family came from Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, England.

Today, Wellby is a common surname in England. It's also found among British citizens living in the United States, Australasia and other parts of the world.

Those who bear the name Wellby might be descendants of the original family who lived near a spring or stream, hence the meaning of the name. Other people may come to bear this surname due to marriage, adoption or other family circumstances.

Wellby: Where does the name Wellby come from?

The last name Wellby is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in England, Scotland, and Ireland. It is believed to have originated as an English occupational name, derived from the Old Norse "vel"- meaning "happiness" and "bi"- meaning "dweller", indicating someone who lived in a happy home. It is also found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, where immigrants from the British Isles settled during the 18th to early 20th centuries.

Although the Wellby name has been more established in the United Kingdom for centuries, it is becoming increasingly common in countries around the world today. Its increasing distribution is thanks in no small part to the various branches of the Wellby family that embarked on international journeys over the last two centuries, often seeking new opportunities and chances to succeed.

Today, those with the last name Wellby come from an array of backgrounds and lifestyles. Some are highly successful entrepreneurs, while others are dedicated public servants. Regardless of their background, Wellbys share one thing in common - a commitment to excellence and living life to the fullest.

Variations of the surname Wellby

The surname Wellby has various spellings and variants. In rarer instances, people may spell it as Wellbey, Weilby, Wellsby, Wilsby, Willby, Wilbie, Welsby, Wilbey, Wilby, Willaby and Wheelby.

The origins of the surname Wellby derived from Anglo-Saxon Britain. It is a location-based name from a place called Wellby in Northamptonshire, England, which was derived from Old English words ‘wella’ and ‘by’, meaning 'a spring or stream', and 'settlement, homestead, village, manor', respectively.

The surname Wellby is not common. People bearing this name are mainly found in England, although some can be found in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States.

The surname Wellby is closely associated with various other surnames. Wellby is also associated with Wellby, Wellble, Wilby, Weblby and Webley. Furthermore, Wellby is linked to Weller, Wells, Wilks, Wilkinson, and William. These surnames are either an adaptation of Wellby, or they derived from a common ancestor.

The spelling and variants of the surname Wellby have been altered over the centuries, making it difficult to trace individuals bearing this name. It is best to look for different spellings and variants when researching family history.

Famous people with the name Wellby

• Edward Everett Wellby (American actor)
• Susan Wellby (British novelist)
• Andrew Wellby (British filmmaker)
• Bob Wellby (Australian journalist)
• James Wellby (Australian restaurateur)
• Kenneth Wellby (British politician)
• Steve Wellby (American writer and composer)
• Stephen Wellby (British actor)
• Paul Wellby (British actor)
• Dan Wellby (American actor)
• Joseph Wellby (Australian scientist)
• Lindell Wellby (Canadian producer)
• Chad Wellby (American football player)
• Joe Wellby (American former professional basketball player)
• Syd Wellby (Australian racing driver)
• Matilda Wellby (British opera singer)
• David Wellby (British television presenter)
• Keith Wellby (British cinematographer)
• James Wellby (British film producer)
• Rod Wellby (British television director)

Other surnames

WellbeloveWellbelovedWellbornWellbye