Find out how popular the first name Wendall has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Wendall by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Wendall is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Wendall.

The history of the first name Wendall

The name Wendall has its origins in the Old English language, derived from the elements "wend" meaning "to go" or "to travel," and "heal" meaning "hall" or "dwelling." It is believed to have first emerged in the 7th or 8th century among the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants of what is now England.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of land ownership and population in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. Here, the name is spelled as "Wendel," referring to a landowner in the county of Oxfordshire.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Wendall maintained a modest presence, particularly among the nobility and gentry of England. Notable bearers of the name included Wendall of Crich, a 13th-century knight from Derbyshire, and Wendall Atte Wode, a 14th-century landowner in Kent.

As the name spread across Europe, it took on various spelling variations, such as Wendel, Wendelin, and Wendelinus. In Germany, the name gained particular popularity and was associated with Saint Wendelin, a 7th-century Irish monk and missionary venerated in parts of Bavaria and Austria.

In the 16th century, the name Wendall found its way to the American colonies, carried by English settlers. One of the earliest recorded instances is Wendall Browne, who arrived in Virginia in 1635 and later served as a member of the House of Burgesses.

Throughout the centuries, several notable individuals have borne the name Wendall. These include:

1. Wendall Phillips (1811-1884), an American abolitionist, advocate for Native American rights, and orator known for his fiery speeches against slavery.

2. Wendall Willkie (1892-1944), an American businessman, lawyer, and politician who was the Republican nominee for President in 1940, challenging Franklin D. Roosevelt.

3. Wendall Hertig (1910-1973), an American football player and coach who led the University of Pittsburgh to two Sugar Bowl victories in the 1930s.

4. Wendall Erickson (1919-2006), an American jazz drummer and bandleader who performed with notable artists such as Stan Kenton and Woody Herman.

5. Wendall Garrett (1930-2018), an American politician who served as the Lieutenant Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.

While the name Wendall has waxed and waned in popularity over the centuries, it remains a distinctive and intriguing choice, carrying with it a rich history and a connection to the cultural heritage of the Anglo-Saxon world.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Wendall was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Wendall, please contact us.

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