Find out how popular the first name Wendelyn has been for the last 12 years (from 1975 to 1986) and learn more about the meaning and history.
A feminine name of uncertain origin, perhaps an Anglocized form of Gwendoline.
Based on the last 12 years of data, Wendelyn is exclusively a female name.
For the most recent data in 1986, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Wendelyn.
Year | Male Count | Female Count |
---|---|---|
1986 | 0 | 5 |
1983 | 0 | 6 |
1982 | 0 | 10 |
1980 | 0 | 5 |
1978 | 0 | 5 |
1977 | 0 | 5 |
1976 | 0 | 9 |
1975 | 0 | 9 |
The name Wendelyn is a unique and intriguing moniker that has its origins in the Old English language. It is derived from the Germanic roots "wend," meaning to journey or wander, and "lind," which refers to a linden tree. The combination of these two elements suggests that the name Wendelyn may have been associated with travelers or those who lived near linden trees.
One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Wendelyn can be traced back to the 11th century, when it appeared in an Anglo-Saxon chronicle documenting the lives of noble families in England. During this time period, the name was often spelled as "Wendelind" or "Wendelinda," reflecting its Germanic roots.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Wendelyn was relatively uncommon, but it did appear in various historical records and literary works. In the 13th century, a noblewoman named Wendelyn de Beaumont was mentioned in the court records of King Henry III of England, indicating that the name was used among the aristocracy.
As the centuries passed, the name Wendelyn underwent various spelling variations, such as "Wendelyne," "Wendelin," and "Wendelina." One notable figure from history who bore this name was Wendelyn of Trier, a 14th-century German nun and author who wrote several religious texts.
During the Renaissance period, the name Wendelyn experienced a resurgence in popularity, particularly in England and Germany. One of the most famous individuals to bear this name was Wendelyn Brereton (1536-1598), an English noblewoman and lady-in-waiting to Queen Elizabeth I.
In the 17th century, Wendelyn van den Broeck (1604-1668) was a prominent Flemish painter known for her still-life works and portraits. Another notable figure from this era was Wendelyn Hone (1619-1676), an English clergyman and author who wrote several theological treatises.
As the name Wendelyn continued to evolve over time, it became more closely associated with the spelling "Wendelin" or "Wendelina" in certain regions. For example, in the 19th century, Wendelina Bingen (1817-1897) was a German artist and painter who gained recognition for her landscapes and portraits.
While the name Wendelyn may not be as widely used today as it once was, it remains a unique and historically significant moniker that carries with it a rich tapestry of cultural and linguistic heritage.
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 Wendelyn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.
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"Wendelyn first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 5, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/wendelyn-meaning-and-history/.
"Wendelyn first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/wendelyn-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 5 June, 2025
Wendelyn first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/wendelyn-meaning-and-history/.
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