Find out how popular the last name Weens is in the United States and learn more about the meaning, history, and race and ethnic origin of people in America who are named Weens.

Weens, like all of the last names we have data for, is identified by the U.S. Census Bureau as a surname which has more than 100 occurrences in the United States in the Decennial Census survey. The most recent statistics we have for the Weens surname is from the 2000 census data.

Popularity of Weens in America

Weens is the 148244th most popular name in America based on the data we have collected from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Weens surname appeared 102 times in the 2000 census and if you were to sample 100,000 people in the United States, approximately 0 people would have the surname Weens.

The history of the last name Weens

The surname Weens has its origins deeply rooted in medieval England. It is particularly associated with the Anglo-Saxon period and pertains to geographical and topographical influences. Derived from the Old English words "wīn," meaning "vine" or "vineyard," the name likely referred to someone who lived near or worked in a vineyard. Another plausible origin is from the Old English "wen," meaning "wont" or "habit," implying a person known for a specific habit or custom. Over time, linguistic shifts and regional dialects could have altered the surname's spelling and pronunciation.

The name Weens makes an early appearance in historical records and manuscripts dating back to the 12th century. One of the earliest references is found in the Pipe Rolls of 1176 from Lincolnshire, mentioning a Roger de Wenes. This document, part of royal financial records, indicates that the name had some prominence and recognition in administrative and tax-related contexts during that period.

Another significant mention is in the Feet of Fines for Norfolk in 1235, which lists a William de Wennys. Feet of Fines were agreements between disputing parties over land and property, showing that individuals with the surname Weens were landowners or parties in land transactions. This historical reference provides evidence of the surname's presence in regions other than Lincolnshire, such as Norfolk.

The surname also appears in ecclesiastical records. A notable individual, Robert de Weynnes, held a clerical position in Exeter Cathedral in the mid-13th century. His position within the church suggests that those bearing the surname Weens were also involved in religious and clerical duties. This highlights the diverse roles and social standings of individuals with this surname throughout medieval England.

Further evidence of the surname's spread and adaptation can be traced to the late 14th century, with a John Weenes documented in the Subsidy Rolls of Cambridgeshire in 1379. Subsidy Rolls were tax records and reflect the expansion of the surname's geographical spread and the economic participation of those who bore the name. John Weenes' inclusion in these records underscores the involvement of the Weens family in broader societal activities, such as taxation and community contributions.

Into the late medieval period, another notable figure emerges: Thomas Wean, born in 1485 and recorded in the Court Rolls of Warwickshire. These rolls were administrative records dealing with the local governance and justice system. Thomas Wean's presence in these documents illustrates that the surname continued to hold its significance and maintained its regional influence into the early modern period.

The village of Wenhaston in Suffolk could potentially be linked to the origins or the spread of the surname, given the phonetic similarities and historical presence of the surname in nearby regions. Though there is no direct evidence linking the village name to the surname, linguistic evolution and migration patterns could have played a role in the surname's geographical distribution.

Through these historical lens and records, the surname Weens reveals its evolution from a name rooted in geographical and topographical significance to one associated with various societal roles over centuries. From hallowed cathedral corridors to administrative records, the story of the surname Weens paints a rich tapestry of historical and societal engagement.

Race and ethnic origin of people with the last name Weens

We also have some data on the ancestry of people with the surname Weens.

The below race categories are the modified race categories used in the Census Bureau's population estimates program. All people were categorized into six mutually exclusive racial and Hispanic origin groups:

1. White only
2. Black only
3. American Indian and Alaskan Native only
4. Asian and Pacific Islander only
5. Hispanic
6. Two or More Races

For the most recent 2000 census data, the race/ethnic origin breakdown for Weens was:

Note: Any fields showing (S) means the data was suppressed for privacy so that the data does not in any way identify any specific individuals.

Data source

The last name data and ethnic breakdown of last names is sourced directly from the Decennial Census survey, conducted every 10 years by the United States Census Bureau.

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

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

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