Winnall Family History

From Winnall in Allensmore (Herefs), which is recorded as Wyllenhale in 1361, to Winnall in Ombersley (Worcs), which is recorded as Wilenhale about 1190, and Winnall in Winchester (Hants), which is recorded as Wilehale in 1204 and Wynehale about 1270, the name has various historical references. There is also the lost place Winnalls in Hasfield (Gloucs), recorded as Wynehalle in 1540.

The Herefs and Worcs place-names probably derive from the Old English personal name Willa (genitive Willan) combined with Old English halh, meaning ‘nook or corner of land.’

In contrast, the Hants place-name likely comes from Old English *wilig meaning ‘willow’ or *wiligen meaning ‘growing with willows,’ along with halh for ‘nook or corner of land.’

Additionally, the Gloucs place-name is derived from the Old English personal name Wynna plus halh.

Some of the post-medieval bearers may stem from an unrecorded Middle English personal name *Winel, which is thought to be a possible pet form of Old English Wine (see Winn).