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Wastell Family History

Wastell Surname Meaning

From Old French wastel ‘wastel cake or loaf made from fine-quality wheat flour’ (a north-eastern form of g(u)astel, modern French gâteau). Compare John Wasteler 1327 in Fransson (Lincs); Robert Wastelmonger 1317 in Thuresson (Oxon).

Johannes Wastelman 1377 in Poll Tax (Nackington Kent) is another example of the name's historical usage. It reflects the connection between the name and the profession associated with fine bread-making.

The linguistic evolution from wastel to modern-day interpretations indicates changes in culinary traditions and language over time.

This term not only encompasses the type of bread made but also signifies its importance and value within society, particularly in medieval times.

For further information, see Westall.

Source: The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland, 2016


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Where is the Wastell family from?

You can see how Wastell families moved over time by selecting different census years. The Wastell family name was found in the USA, the UK, Canada, and Scotland between 1871 and 1920. The most Wastell families were found in United Kingdom in 1891. In 1891 there were 70 Wastell families living in London. This was about 50% of all the recorded Wastell's in United Kingdom. London had the highest population of Wastell families in 1891.
Use census records and voter lists to see where families with the Wastell surname lived. Within census records, you can often find information like name of household members, ages, birthplaces, residences, and occupations.
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What did your Wastell ancestors do for a living?

In 1939, Builders Labourer and Unpaid Domestic Duties were the top reported jobs for men and women in the United Kingdom named Wastell. 24% of Wastell men worked as a Builders Labourer and 82% of Wastell women worked as an Unpaid Domestic Duties. Some less common occupations for Americans named Wastell were Bank Clerk and Hospital Nurse (sister).

View Census Data for Wastell | Data not to scale

*We display top occupations by gender to maintain their historical accuracy during times when men and women often performed different jobs.

Top Male Occupations In 1939

  • Builders Labourer
    24%
  • Incapacitated
    18%
  • Structural Draughtsman
    12%
  • Bank Clerk
    12%

Top Female Occupations In 1939

  • Unpaid Domestic Duties
    82%
  • Unpaid Domestic
    4%
  • Housewife
    3%
  • Hospital Nurse (sister)
    2%

What Wastell family records will you find?

Census Records

There are 8,000 census records available for the last name Wastell. Like a window into their day-to-day life, Wastell census records can tell you where and how your ancestors worked, their level of education, veteran status, and more.

Search UK census records for Wastell

Passenger Lists

There are 474 immigration records available for the last name Wastell. Passenger lists are your ticket to knowing when your ancestors arrived in the UK, and how they made the journey - from the ship name to ports of arrival and departure.

View all Wastell immigration records

Draft Cards

There are 349 military records available for the last name Wastell. For the veterans among your Wastell ancestors, military collections provide insights into where and when they served, and even physical descriptions.

View all Wastell military records

You've only scratched the surface of Wastell family history

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What is the average Wastell lifespan?

Between 1967 and 2004, in the United States, Wastell life expectancy was at its lowest point in 1995, and highest in 1974. The average life expectancy for Wastell in 1967 was 77, and 86 in 2004.

View Social Security Death Index (SSDI) for Wastell

An unusually short lifespan might indicate that your Wastell ancestors lived in harsh conditions. A short lifespan might also indicate health problems that were once prevalent in your family. The SSDI is a searchable database of more than 70 million names. You can find birthdates, death dates, addresses and more.

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