Last Name Winslow

The surname Winslow has English origins. It is a locational surname derived from the Old English words "wynn" meaning "meadow" and "hlaw" meaning "hill." Therefore, it refers to someone who lived near or on a hill in a meadow. The name has been traced back to various places in England, including Winslow in Buckinghamshire and Winsley in Wiltshire. The Winslow family is believed to have Norman ancestry and arrived in England with the Norman Conquest of 1066. Over time, bearers of the surname Winslow spread to different regions, including America, where they played significant roles in the founding and development of the colonies. Notably, Edward Winslow was one of the passengers on the Mayflower and later served as the governor of Plymouth Colony.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Winslow

The meaning and origin of the last name Winslow

The surname Winslow is of English origin and has a fascinating history. It is derived from a combination of the Old English elements "wine" meaning "friend" and "sloe" referring to the blackthorn tree or its fruit. Therefore, the meaning of the name would be something like "friend of the blackthorn tree."

The name Winslow has ancient roots and can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period in England. One prominent individual with this surname was Edward Winslow, who was one of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower during their voyage to the New World in 1620. Edward Winslow played a significant role in early American history and was involved in establishing the Plymouth Colony in present-day Massachusetts. His accomplishments and reputation helped popularize the use of the Winslow surname in North America.

Over time, the name Winslow has spread across the English-speaking world, and it continues to be used today as a proud reminder of ancestral ties to England and early American history.

Geographical distribution of the last name Winslow

The surname Winslow is primarily found in English-speaking countries, with the highest concentration of individuals bearing this name residing in the United States. Within the United States, the Winslow surname is particularly prevalent in the New England region, with numerous clusters of Winslow families found in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. This distribution can be traced back to the early Settlers in the 17th century, where prominent Pilgrim Edward Winslow arrived on the Mayflower in 1620, ultimately becoming a leader in Plymouth Colony. The name has since spread throughout the country, but maintains a stronger presence in the northeastern states. Outside of the United States, Winslow is also found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom. Additionally, some individuals with the surname Winslow can be found in Australia and New Zealand, likely tracing their ancestry back to British settlers.

Variants and spellings of the last name Winslow

The last name Winslow has a few variations and spellings. One common variation is "Wynslowe," which can be traced back to medieval England. Another variation is "Wynslow," which is another possible spelling from the same era. The name can also be seen spelled as "Wyneslowe," which could have been used as a way to emphasize the pronunciation of the "y" sound. In some cases, the name might have been spelled as "Wynslowe" with a "y" instead of an "i," possibly due to regional accents or personal preference. Furthermore, there could be other variations or spellings that have been created over time, as names often evolve and change throughout generations. Ultimately, whether you come across Winslow, Wynslowe, Wynslow, Wyneslowe, or other similar variants, they all ultimately refer to the same family name.

Famous people with the last name Winslow

One famous individual with the last name Winslow is Edward Winslow. Born in 1595, Winslow was an English Pilgrim leader who played a significant role in the establishment of Plymouth Colony in what is now Massachusetts. He was among the passengers aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and became an influential figure within the early settlement, serving as the colony's governor multiple times during his life. Edward Winslow is often recognized for his diplomacy and negotiation skills, as he built diplomatic connections with the Wampanoag tribe and helped form the first Thanksgiving alliance between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. His writings and accounts of early colonial life provide valuable historical insights into the challenges and experiences faced by the early settlers in America.

Genealogical research on the last name Winslow

The Winslow family name has its origins in England and can be traced back to the medieval period. The earliest recorded mention of the Winslow surname dates back to the year 1050 in the county of Buckinghamshire. Over the centuries, the family migrated to different regions within England, including Hampshire and Kent. In the 17th century, several members of the Winslow family embarked on a journey to the New World, settling in the Plymouth Colony in Massachusetts. Edward Winslow, one of the original Mayflower passengers, played a significant role in the early development of the colony and established a prominent lineage in America. His descendants continued the Winslow name, with notable individuals such as Josiah Winslow, who served as the governor of Plymouth Colony. Today, the Winslow surname can be found across the United States and has a rich genealogical legacy that connects back to its English roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Winslow"
• 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 April 2025

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