Wendell Lay

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Wendell Lay — Germanic
63K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Wendell Lay is a name that combines Germanic origins. The first name Wendell is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. Wendell is an alternate spelling of Wendel, a surname of Germanic origin. It is also a masculine given name in the United States, often given to commemorate poet Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809–1894) or his son Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841–1935), a famous justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Wendell was the maiden name of Sarah Holmes, mother of Oliver Wendell Holmes. Since about 1970 Wendell is a common given name in Brazil, where it has been borne by famous footballers. In the United States the popularity of the name peaked around 1940, then declined steadily after 1960. The surname Lay: Alfred Morrison Lay (1836–1879), U.S. politician Beirne Lay, Jr. (1909–1982), American author and World War II aviator Benjamin Lay (1681–1760), English Quaker and abolitionist Bob Lay (1944–2022), Australian sprinter Brandon Lay, American singer-songwriter Caren Lay (born 1972), German politician Carol Lay (born 1952), American author Cecil Howard Lay (1885–1956), English poet Charles Downing Lay (1877–1956), American landscape architect Donald P. Lay (1926–2007), American jurist Elzy Lay (1868–1934), U.S. outlaw George W. Lay (1798-1860), U.S. politician George Tradescant Lay (c. Wendell is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 63K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Wendell reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Wendell

Germanic

Wendell is an alternate spelling of Wendel, a surname of Germanic origin. It is also a masculine given name in the United States, often given to commemorate poet Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809–1894) or his son Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841–1935), a famous justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Wendell was the maiden name of Sarah Holmes, mother of Oliver Wendell Holmes. Since about 1970 Wendell is a common given name in Brazil, where it has been borne by famous footballers. In the United States the popularity of the name peaked around 1940, then declined steadily after 1960.

Surname: Lay

English

Alfred Morrison Lay (1836–1879), U.S. politician Beirne Lay, Jr. (1909–1982), American author and World War II aviator Benjamin Lay (1681–1760), English Quaker and abolitionist Bob Lay (1944–2022), Australian sprinter Brandon Lay, American singer-songwriter Caren Lay (born 1972), German politician Carol Lay (born 1952), American author Cecil Howard Lay (1885–1956), English poet Charles Downing Lay (1877–1956), American landscape architect Donald P. Lay (1926–2007), American jurist Elzy Lay (1868–1934), U.S. outlaw George W. Lay (1798-1860), U.S. politician George Tradescant Lay (c.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Wendell is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 51%
United Kingdom 28%
Australia 13%
Canada 9%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Wendell by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Wendell Lay:

5
Expression Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

11
Soul Urge Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

3
Personality Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Wendell?
The first name Wendell originates from Germanic. Wendell is an alternate spelling of Wendel, a surname of Germanic origin. It is also a masculine given name in the United States, often given to commemorate poet Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809–1894) or his son Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. (1841–1935), a famous justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Wendell was the maiden name of Sarah Holmes, mother of Oliver Wendell Holmes. Since about 1970 Wendell is a common given name in Brazil, where it has been borne by famous footballers. In the United States the popularity of the name peaked around 1940, then declined steadily after 1960.
When was Wendell most popular?
The name Wendell reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Lay?
The surname Lay originates from English. Alfred Morrison Lay (1836–1879), U.S. politician Beirne Lay, Jr. (1909–1982), American author and World War II aviator Benjamin Lay (1681–1760), English Quaker and abolitionist Bob Lay (1944–2022), Australian sprinter Brandon Lay, American singer-songwriter Caren Lay (born 1972), German politician Carol Lay (born 1952), American author Cecil Howard Lay (1885–1956), English poet Charles Downing Lay (1877–1956), American landscape architect Donald P. Lay (1926–2007), American jurist Elzy Lay (1868–1934), U.S. outlaw George W. Lay (1798-1860), U.S. politician George Tradescant Lay (c.
What are the origins of the name Wendell Lay?
The name Wendell Lay combines two different traditions: the first name Wendell has Germanic roots, while the surname Lay originates from English.
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