Last Name 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 name derives from the Old English word "winder," which means "windmill." Over time, it became a hereditary surname. Throughout history, the name Winder has been found in many different regions within England, although it is most common in the counties of Lancashire and Yorkshire. It is also found among the German and Jewish communities, where it may have different origins or meanings. However, the exact origin and meaning can vary depending on the specific family lineage and geographical region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Winder

The meaning and origin of the last name Winder

The surname Winder is of Old English origin, derived from the Olde English word "windan," which means "to wind" or "to turn." This name was often given to someone who lived near a winding road or river, or perhaps someone whose occupation involved the action of winding or turning. Over time, various spellings and pronunciations have emerged for this surname, including Winders, Wynter, and Winder. The distribution of the Winder surname is primarily in England, with notable concentrations in the counties of Staffordshire, Worcestershire, and Herefordshire. It is less common outside of England but can be found among the English diaspora in countries such as America, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Geographical distribution of the last name Winder

The surname Winder is primarily distributed across various regions in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Wales. It is also found in Scotland and Northern Ireland, albeit less frequently. In England, the highest concentrations are in counties such as Yorkshire, Lancashire, and West Midlands. A significant number of people with this surname can also be found in London and surrounding areas. In Scotland, Orkney Islands has a higher frequency compared to other regions. Additionally, descendants of early British immigrants have carried the Winder surname to countries like Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United States. In these countries, it is predominantly concentrated in urban centers such as Melbourne, Sydney, Toronto, and Vancouver.

Variants and spellings of the last name Winder

The surname Winder has various spelling variations including Winders, Wynnders, Wynder, Wendler, Winder, Windor, Windler, and Windeler. These variations may have originated due to differences in pronunciation, spelling conventions, or historical record keeping. In some cases, these variations could also be indicative of regional dialects or changes over time. It is worth noting that the name Winder is an anglicized form derived from German, Dutch, and Jewish origins with meanings such as "turner" (from the German word "Wender"), "windmill operator", or "to wind". The most common variant in English-speaking countries is Winder.

Famous people with the last name Winder

Notable individuals sharing the surname Winder include:

1. John Winder (1750-1820), a U.S. Army officer during the American Revolutionary War, serving under General George Washington. He also served as Commandant of the Virginia Military District and later as the Governor of Maryland Territory.

2. Mary Winder (1946-1974), an American actress who appeared in movies such as "Eaten Alive" and "The Great Texas Dynamite Chase." Her career was cut short due to her untimely death at age 28.

3. John Winder (born 1950), an American journalist, best known for his work with ABC News. He covered various significant events throughout his career, including the Gulf War and the O.J. Simpson trial.

4. Peter Winder (1776-1843), a British Army officer who served during the Napoleonic Wars. He later became a Member of Parliament for Tiverton in 1820.

5. Sir Richard Winder (born 1958), a British diplomat and former Director-General for Political Affairs at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. He served as the British High Commissioner to South Africa from 2013 to 2016.

Genealogical research on the last name Winder

The surname Winder is of English origin, primarily found in the counties of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is believed to be an occupational name for a weaver or someone who wound thread onto bobbins, derived from the Old English word "windan" meaning 'to twist' or 'to wind'. The earliest known record of the name Winder is that of William Winder in the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379. Over time, variations of the surname include Winders, Winden, and Wendon. Some notable individuals bearing the name Winder include Sir Robert Winder, a Tudor courtier, and Samuel Winder, an American politician who served as a Representative from New York in the 1800s. The Winder family also played significant roles in early Virginia colonial history.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Winder"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

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 : 11 June 2025

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