Origin of your surname and forename !
NomOrigine

Last Name Windels

Discover my family history now

What is the origin of the last name Windels?

The last name "Windels" is of Germanic origin. It is derived from a topographical name for someone who lived by a windmill, or perhaps someone who was a miller at such a location. The Old High German word for windmill is "windalah," which over time evolved into "windel." In some cases, the surname may also have been occupational for a miller. As with many surnames, its exact origin can depend on specific regional variants and historical contexts in Germany.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Windels

The meaning and origin of the last name Windels

The surname Windels is of German origin, derived from the Middle High German word "windel," which means "diaper" or "band." Originally, it was an occupational name for someone who made or sold diapers or bandages, or perhaps a nickname for someone who was particularly skilled at tying knots, as in binding or swaddling. Alternatively, it could have been used metaphorically to describe someone with a plump, rounded figure, reminiscent of a well-filled diaper. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the name have evolved due to regional variations and migration patterns, leading to different versions such as Windel, Windell, Windels, Windelle, etc., across Europe and in diaspora communities.

Geographical distribution of the last name Windels

The geographical distribution of the surname Windels shows a predominant concentration in Germany and its surrounding regions, where it is a relatively common name. Historically, the highest densities can be found in Rhineland-Palatinate, Baden-Württemberg, Hesse, and North Rhine-Westphalia. The surname also appears in other parts of Europe, notably Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, indicating possible migration or linguistic connections over time. A few instances of Windels can also be found in the United States, Canada, Australia, and South Africa, suggesting dispersal through immigration waves from Europe. This data suggests a largely European origin for the name Windels with some global spread due to diaspora.

Variants and spellings of the last name Windels

The surname Windels has several variations and spellings across different regions and countries. Some common variations include Windel, Wynals, Wynalss, Winzell, Winzel, Wynell, Windells, Windalls, Wendall, Wendels, Windles, and Windless. These variations may arise due to factors such as phonetic changes over time, spelling errors during migration or record-keeping, or regional dialects. It is essential to note that each variation may have its unique distribution across countries and ethnic groups. For example, the name Windels may be more common in Germanic regions, while other variations might be prevalent in English or Dutch-speaking areas. Understanding these variants can aid in genealogical research by expanding search parameters to locate ancestors or family members with similar names.

Famous people with the last name Windels

The Windels family has produced several notable figures across various fields. One of the most prominent is Rolf Windels (b. 1947), a renowned German linguist and academic who specialized in African languages, particularly Bantu languages. He is recognized for his extensive work on the grammar, phonology, and semantics of these languages, and has published numerous papers and books on the subject.

Another notable member is Helena Windels (b. 1956), a Dutch author who has written a number of popular novels, including "De Dames en de Duivel" ("The Ladies and the Devil") and "Het Verloren Paradijs" ("The Lost Paradise"), which have been translated into multiple languages. Her works are known for their psychological depth and exploration of human emotions.

Lastly, there is Daniel Windels (b. 1973), a Swiss-American musician who is the bassist for the alternative rock band The National. Known for his unique bass lines and contributions to the band's distinctive sound, he has been instrumental in their critical acclaim and commercial success.

Genealogical research on the last name Windels

The surname Windels is primarily of German origin, stemming from various regions such as Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. It is a topographic name for someone who lived near a windmill, derived from the Middle High German "windel" or "windelen," meaning 'to turn.' The earliest known records of this surname can be traced back to the late medieval era. One of the earliest bearers was Heinrich Windelschmid, documented in 1375 in Westphalia. Other branches of the family include the Windels from Rhineland-Palatinate, who are believed to have migrated to Switzerland in the 16th century. The family's lineage is rich with artisans, traders, and farmers, reflecting the diverse professions within feudal society during the Middle Ages. Today, Windels is found throughout Germany, Switzerland, and other parts of Europe, as well as in North America due to immigration in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Last name distribution maps

Chargement de la carte...

NomOrigine Team
About the author :

NomOrigine Team

Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.

Last updated :

Share the origin of your last name with your friends

Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Pinterest WhatsApp Messenger Telegram

Search the origin of a family name

Enter the surname you are looking for below:

Similar Last Names

#1 Win htut

Last name • surnames > win-htut

The last name "Win Htut" is of Burmese origin. "Win" is a common Burmese name meaning "victorious" or "success," while "Htut" is believed to be of Pali or Sanskrit origin, possibly...

#2 Winah

Last name • surnames > winah

The surname Winah is of Scandinavian origin. It is derived from the Old Norse personal name Vin, which means "friend" or "lover", combined with the suffix -a, indicating a son of o...

#3 Winart

Last name • surnames > winart

The last name Winart is of German origin. It is derived from the Old High German personal name Winhard, which is composed of the elements "win," meaning "friend" or "love," and "ha...

#4 Winarty

Last name • surnames > winarty

The last name "Winarty" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Winehard" which means "friend" or "protector". Over time, the name evolved into "Win...

#5 Wincent

Last name • surnames > wincent

The last name "Wincent" is of Polish origin. It is derived from the given name "Wincenty," which is the Polish form of the name "Vincent." The name "Vincent" itself is of Latin ori...

#6 Winchester

Last name • surnames > winchester

The surname "Winchester" is of English origin, derived from places named Winchester in England. The city of Winchester has been an important settlement since prehistoric times and ...

#7 Winck

Last name • surnames > winck

The surname Winck is of German origin and is derived from the personal name "Wenko," a short form of the old Germanic name "Wernic," which is derived from the elements "warin," mea...

#8 Wincy

Last name • surnames > wincy

The last name "Wincy" is of English origin. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Winch", which means "wince" or "wincey". It could have been a nickname for someone who...

#9 Windam ii

Last name • surnames > windam-ii

The last name Windam II is of English origin. It is likely derived from a place name, referring to someone who lived near or worked at a place with windmills.

#10 Winder

Last name • surnames > winder

The surname "Winder" is of Old English and Anglo-Saxon origin. It was originally a nickname for someone who worked as a windmill operator or someone who lived near a windmill. The ...

#11 Windi cahya

Last name • surnames > windi-cahya

The last name "Windi Cahya" originates from Indonesia. "Windi" is a common Indonesian given name meaning "beautiful", while "Cahya" is a Javanese word meaning "light" or "brightnes...

#12 Windsorian

Last name • surnames > windsorian

The last name "Windsorian" likely has origins in England, specifically referencing the town or region of Windsor. The suffix "-ian" is commonly added to names to denote a connectio...

#13 Winehouse

Last name • surnames > winehouse

The last name Winehouse is of English origin. It is a habitational surname derived from the Old English words "winn," meaning pasture or meadow, and "hus," meaning house. Therefore...

#14 Winek

Last name • surnames > winek

The surname Winek is of Slavic origin, specifically Polish and Czech. It's derived from a given name "Vincent" (or its diminutive form "Wincenty" in Polish) which means "conqueror....

#15 Winfrow

Last name • surnames > winfrow

The surname Winfrow is of English origin. It is most likely derived from the Old English personal name "Winen" combined with the word "fraw," meaning "free." Over time, this name e...