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

Popularity of Wendolyn by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Wendolyn is exclusively a female name.

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

The history of the first name Wendolyn

The name Wendolyn is a feminine given name of English origin, derived from the Old English words "wend" meaning "to travel" and "lyn" meaning "lake" or "pool." It is believed to have emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD.

Wendolyn was a relatively uncommon name in medieval England, but it appeared sporadically in historical records and literature. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was in the Domesday Book of 1086, where a woman named Wendolyn was listed as a landowner in the county of Gloucestershire.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Wendolyn of Dunstable was a respected nun and chronicler who documented the events of her time at the Priory of St. Mary in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Her chronicle, known as the Annals of Dunstable, provided valuable insights into the history of medieval England.

During the Renaissance period, the name Wendolyn gained some popularity among the English gentry. In 1542, a woman named Wendolyn Fitzwilliam was recorded as the daughter of Sir William Fitzwilliam, a prominent courtier and landowner in Yorkshire.

In the 17th century, Wendolyn Portman, born in 1621, was a notable figure in the English Civil War. She was a staunch Royalist who supported King Charles I and played a role in the defense of her family's estate, Bryanston House, against the Parliamentarian forces.

Another historical figure with the name Wendolyn was Wendolyn Howard, born in 1768. She was an English author and poet who published several works, including a collection of poems titled "The Sylvan Wanderer" in 1813.

While not a widespread name throughout history, Wendolyn has maintained a presence in various records and literature, reflecting its English origins and connections to the concept of travel and bodies of water. Its unique blend of Old English elements has contributed to its distinct character and enduring legacy.

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 Wendolyn was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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