Wells is a surname of English origin that comes from the Old English word "well," which means spring or stream. The name was originally given to people who lived near a well or springs, or were responsible for maintaining them.
The surname Wells has been in existence since at least the early Middle Ages. In the Domesday Book of 1086, there is a record of a person named "Willelmus filius de la Well" in Lincolnshire, which suggests that the name was being used during this time period.
Over the centuries, the spelling of Wells has varied and evolved. Some early records show variations such as Welles, Wellys, Wilis, and Willets. Despite these fluctuations, the core meaning of the name has remained consistent: someone who lives near or is associated with water.
Today, Wells is still a common surname in England, particularly in areas where there are natural wells or springs. It is also found in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
In literature, the name Wells is perhaps most famously associated with H.G. Wells, the renowned British author known for his science fiction works like "The Time Machine," "The Invisible Man," and "War of the Worlds." While there is no evidence that H.G. Wells was directly descended from people named Wells, it is interesting to note how this surname has been connected with creativity and innovation throughout history.
In conclusion, Wells is an English surname with a straightforward meaning: someone who lives near or is associated with water. Its origins can be traced back to the early Middle Ages, and it has remained in use ever since, with some notable individuals contributing to its enduring popularity and recognition.
The name Wells has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as evidenced by the statistical data provided. Between 1881 and 2023, there have been a total of 5173 births registered with the first name Wells.
Looking at the yearly statistics, we can observe several trends:
* The name Wells was quite popular during the early to mid-20th century. It reached its peak popularity in recent years, with 696 births recorded in 2023 alone.
* There were periods of significant growth in usage:
+ From 1912 to 1915, there was a substantial increase, with the number of births ranging from 20 to 23 each year.
+ Between 2016 and 2023, we see another surge in popularity, with the number of births more than doubling (from 123 in 2016 to 696 in 2023).
* Conversely, there have also been periods of decreased usage:
+ Between 1881 and 1911, the name Wells was not very common, with fewer than 10 births recorded each year.
+ From the late 1950s to the mid-1960s, there was a noticeable drop in popularity, with less than 10 births per year.
Overall, while the name Wells has had periods of ups and downs throughout history, it has experienced significant growth in recent years, becoming one of the more popular names in the United States. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues or changes in the coming years.