Winfindale

Apparently recorded as Winfindale and Winfindine, we are unable to offer any proven explanation for this rare and unusual surname. It seems to be English and locational, and certainly as Winfindine was recorded in the surviving registers of the city of London in the early 18th century, with that of Mary Winfindine who married James Warner, at St Dunstans in the East, Stepney, on April 7th 1715. The make up of the known suname spellings, would certainly suggest that the name probably originates from a place called 'Winfarthing' in the county of Norfolk. This small village, which in the 12th century around the time that surnames began to be used, was called 'Winferding.' In surname terms and given that seven centuries have elapsed, is not far in either spelling or pronunciation from Winfindale or Winfindine. The village name means 'Wina's quarter' and refers to an area of land which was divided for some reason into four parts, possibly as a result of a will. It is difficult to see what other explanation is possible, although given that over the centuries spelling has been at best erratic and local accents very thick, so almost anything is possible with some surnames.