Wind (surname)


Wind is a topographical surname, of English origin, for someone who lived near a pathway, alleyway, or road. It is most popular in North East England, especially in Newcastle upon Tyne and Sunderland. The surname is also popular in the Netherlands and Denmark. The surname has several spellings including Waind, Wind, Wynd, Wain and Wean.

Origins

Wind originates from the pre-7th century Old English gewind. It describes either a person who lived in a particularly windy area such as North East England or a "winding" road. In medieval times Wind was possibly given to a speedy runner or messenger.
The surname Wind was first found in Lancashire, a ceremonial county in North West England, at Windle with Hardshaw, a township, in the parish and union of Prescot, hundred of West Derby. "Before the reign of John, Windhull gave name to a family, of whom was Edusa, widow of Alan de Windhull, who obtained from that king a summons for her dower against Alan de Windhull, son of the former."

Incidence, frequency and rank in area

According to Forebears.io, the highest incidence of the Wind surname can be found in the United States, followed by Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
CountryIncidenceFrequencyRank in area
United States3,7781:95,93910,736
Germany3,1351:25,6803,398
the Netherlands2,8681:3,336636
Denmark1,6921:3,336281

Notable people with the surname