The Wells Family History

What Does the Wells Surname Mean? Historical Origins Explained

The surname Wells has its origins in England, signifying 'spring. ' This designation typically denotes an individual associated with a village's water source or spring. Variants of the name include Welles, Well, Welman, Wellman, and Wellsman. In the French language, the equivalent surname is rendered as Dupuis. In England, the surname Wells is particularly prevalent in the counties of Sussex, Lincolnshire, Bedfordshire, and Kent. In Scotland, notable concentrations of the Wells surname can be found in Dumfries-shire and Kinross-shire. In the United States, families bearing the Wells surname are primarily located in states such as New York, Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Noteworthy individuals with this surname include Audrey Wells, a film producer, writer, and director; Fay Gillis Wells, a pioneering figure in aviation; Bubba Wells, a professional basketball athlete; H. Wells, a renowned English science fiction author; Danny Wells, a Canadian actor known for television and film; Bonzi Wells, another professional basketball player; James Murray Wells, the founder of the English company 'Glasses Direct'; and Horace Wells, a prominent dentist from the 19th century.