Wells is an English

habitational surname A toponymic surname or habitational surname or byname is a surname or byname derived from a place name,

but is possibly also from an old English word for Wales. It normally derives from occupation, location, and topography. The occupational name (i.e. "Wellman") derives from the person responsible for a village's spring. The locational name (i.e. "Well") derives from the pre-7th century "" ("spring"). The topographical name (i.e. "Attewell") derives from living near a spring. The oldest public record is found in 1177 in the county of Norfolk. Variations of Wells include Well, Welman, Welles, Wellman and Wellsman. At the time of the British Census of 1881, its relative frequency was highest in

Berkshire Berkshire ( ; abbreviated ), officially the Royal County of Berkshire, is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South East England. It is bordered by Oxfordshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the north-east, Greater London ...

(3.2 times the British average), followed by

Leicestershire Leicestershire ( ) is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in the East Midlands of England. It is bordered by Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire to the north, Rutland to the east, Northamptonshire to the south-east, Warw ...

Oxfordshire Oxfordshire ( ; abbreviated ''Oxon'') is a ceremonial county in South East England. The county is bordered by Northamptonshire and Warwickshire to the north, Buckinghamshire to the east, Berkshire to the south, and Wiltshire and Glouceste ...

Kinross-shire The County of Kinross or Kinross-shire is a historic county and registration county in eastern Scotland, administered as part of Perth and Kinross since 1975. Surrounding its largest settlement and county town of Kinross, the county borders Per ...

Huntingdonshire Huntingdonshire (; abbreviated Hunts) is a local government district in Cambridgeshire, England, which was historically a county in its own right. It borders Peterborough to the north, Fenland to the north-east, East Cambridgeshire to the e ...

Kent Kent is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South East England. It is bordered by Essex across the Thames Estuary to the north, the Strait of Dover to the south-east, East Sussex to the south-west, Surrey to the west, and Gr ...

Sussex Sussex (Help:IPA/English, /ˈsʌsɪks/; from the Old English ''Sūþseaxe''; lit. 'South Saxons'; 'Sussex') is an area within South East England that was historically a kingdom of Sussex, kingdom and, later, a Historic counties of England, ...

Lincolnshire Lincolnshire (), abbreviated ''Lincs'', is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in the East Midlands and Yorkshire and the Humber regions of England. It is bordered by the East Riding of Yorkshire across the Humber estuary to th ...

Dumfriesshire Dumfriesshire or the County of Dumfries or Shire of Dumfries () is a Counties of Scotland, historic county and registration county in southern Scotland. The Dumfries lieutenancy areas of Scotland, lieutenancy area covers a similar area to the hi ...

and

Bedfordshire Bedfordshire (; abbreviated ''Beds'') is a Ceremonial County, ceremonial county in the East of England. It is bordered by Northamptonshire to the north, Cambridgeshire to the north-east, Hertfordshire to the south and the south-east, and Buckin ...

. __FORCETOC__

Origin

It is said that the origin is sometimes derived from the city of Wells, but could also be from an old English word for

Wales Wales ( ) is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by the Irish Sea to the north and west, England to the England–Wales border, east, the Bristol Channel to the south, and the Celtic ...

or a

habitational surname A toponymic surname or habitational surname or byname is a surname or byname derived from a place name,

from any of several places named with the plural of Old English well(a) ‘spring’, ‘stream’, or a topopgraphical name from this word (in its plural form), for example Wells in

Somerset Somerset ( , ), Archaism, archaically Somersetshire ( , , ) is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in South West England. It is bordered by the Bristol Channel, Gloucestershire, and Bristol to the north, Wiltshire to the east ...

or Wells-next-the-Sea in

Norfolk Norfolk ( ) is a Ceremonial counties of England, ceremonial county in England, located in East Anglia and officially part of the East of England region. It borders Lincolnshire and The Wash to the north-west, the North Sea to the north and eas ...

. Translation of French Dupuis or any of its variants. Later an

abbey church A church, church building, church house, or chapel is a building used for Christian worship services and Christian activities. The earliest identified Christian church is a house church founded between 233 AD and 256 AD. ''Church'' is also ...

was built in Wells in 705 by

Aldhelm Aldhelm (, ; 25 May 709), Abbot of Malmesbury Abbey, Bishop of Sherborne, and a writer and scholar of Latin poetry, was born before the middle of the 7th century. He is said to have been the son of Kenten, who was of the royal house of Wessex ...

, first bishop of the newly established

Diocese of Sherborne The Diocese of Salisbury is a Church of England diocese in the south of England, within the ecclesiastical Province of Canterbury. The diocese covers the historic county of Dorset (which excludes the deaneries of Bournemouth and Christchurch, w ...

during the reign of King Ine of Wessex. It was dedicated to

St Andrew Andrew the Apostle ( ; ; ; ) was an apostle of Jesus. According to the New Testament, he was a fisherman and one of the Apostles in the New Testament, Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. The title First-Called () used by the Eastern Orthodox Chu ...

and stood at the site of the cathedral's cloisters, where some excavated remains can be seen. Wells gets its name from these springs which can today be found in the gardens of the Bishop's Palace. Wells is the smallest city in

England England is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is located on the island of Great Britain, of which it covers about 62%, and List of islands of England, more than 100 smaller adjacent islands. It ...

with about 12,000 inhabitants. This was dated 1177, in the

pipe rolls The Pipe rolls, sometimes called the Great rollsBrown ''Governance'' pp. 54–56 or the Great Rolls of the Pipe, are a collection of financial records maintained by the English Exchequer, or Treasury, and its successors, as well as the Exche ...

of the county of Norfolk, during the reign of

Henry II of England Henry II () was King of England The monarchy of the United Kingdom, commonly referred to as the British monarchy, is the form of government used by the United Kingdom by which a hereditary monarch reigns as the head of state, with the ...

1154 Year 1154 ( MCLIV) was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar. Events By place Levant * April 18 – Nur al-Din, Seljuk ruler (''atabeg'') of Aleppo, encamps before Damascus and overthrows Mujir al-Din by force ...

–

1189 Year 1189 (Roman numerals, MCLXXXIX) was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar. In English law, 1189 - specifically the beginning of the reign of Richard I of England, Richard I - is considered the end of time immemorial. E ...

. Throughout the centuries, surnames in every country have continued to "develop" often leading to astonishing variants of the original. This probably denoted somebody responsible for looking after the

village A village is a human settlement or community, larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town with a population typically ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand. Although villages are often located in rural areas, the term urban v ...

spring, although not necessarily in any other way associated with the various places called Well or Wells. Early examples of church register recordings include Robert Wells, who was christened on January 7, 1557, at Christchurch Greyfriars, in the city of London, whilst Richard Wellman was recorded at St Georges Chapel, Hanover Square, Westminster, on March 1, 1730.

Variants

The old

Anglo-Saxon The Anglo-Saxons, in some contexts simply called Saxons or the English, were a Cultural identity, cultural group who spoke Old English and inhabited much of what is now England and south-eastern Scotland in the Early Middle Ages. They traced t ...

word waella meant spring (rather than a well) and probably a spring associated with a holy place. In

and

East Anglia East Anglia is an area of the East of England, often defined as including the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, with parts of Essex sometimes also included. The name derives from the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of the East Angles, ...

this word seems to have been pronounced “wella,” from which has come the surname Wells and, in

, Atwell (at the well).

Bearers of the surname

A

* Alan Wells (born 1961), English cricketer * Alexander H. Wells (d. 1857), New York lawyer, newspaper editor and politician * Alexander Wells (baseball) (born 1997), Australian baseball player * Alfred Wells (1814–1867), U.S. Representative from New York * Alfred Wells (1859–1935), architect in South Australia *

Alice Wells Alice G. Wells is an American diplomat and former Ambassador of the United States of America to Jordan. Early life and education Wells was born in Beirut, Lebanon to Heidi and Wes Wells. Her father was at the time a U.S. Army officer statione ...

, American diplomat and U.S. Ambassador to Jordan *

Alice Stebbins Wells Alice Stebbins Wells (June 13, 1873 – August 17, 1957) was one of the first American-born female police officers in the United States, hired in 1910 in Los Angeles. Career Early career Alice was a graduate of Oberlin College and Hartford T ...

(1873–1957), first female officer in Los Angeles Police Dept * Alisa Wells (born Alice Wells; November 26, 1927 – January 5, 1988) *

Allan Wells Allan Wipper Wells (born 3 May 1952) is a British former track and field sprinter who became the 100 metres Olympic champion at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. In 1981, he was both the IAAF Golden Sprints and IAAF World Cup gold medall ...

(born 1952) Scottish Olympic athlete *

Alphege of Wells __NOTOC__ Alphege (or Ælfheah) was the third Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Wells The Bishop of Bath and Wells heads the Church of England Diocese of Bath and Wells in the Province of Canterbury in England. The present diocese covers the overwhelmin ...

(or Ælfheah, died c.937), third Anglo-Saxon Bishop of Wells *

Andy Wells (Canadian politician) Andy Wells may refer to: * Andy Wells (Canadian politician) (1944/5–2021), mayor of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador * Andy Wells (American politician) (born 1954), politician in North Carolina See also * Andrew Wells, fictional characte ...

, mayor of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador * Andy Wells (American politician) (born 1954), politician in North Carolina *

Andrew Wells Andrew Wells is a fictional character in the television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' and ''Angel'', played by Tom Lenk. The character also appears in ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season Eight'', the canonical continuation of the series. ...

, character in the U.S. television series ''Buffy the Vampire Slayer'' * Angus Wells (1943–2006), British writer of genre fiction, including fantasy and westerns *

Audrey Wells Audrey Ann Wells (''née'' Lederer; January 25, 1960 – October 4, 2018) was an American screenwriter, film director, and producer. Her 1999 film ''Guinevere'' won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award. Early life and education Wells was born in ...

(1960–2018), American screenwriter, film director and producer

B

* Basil Wells (Basil Eugene Wells, 1912–2003), American writer * Ben Wells (actor) (born 1982), American television and film actor * Ben Wells (American Guitarist) for southern rock band "Black Stone Cherry" * Ben Wells (footballer), English footballer * Benjamin W. Wells (1856–1923), American scholar and editor * Bertram Whittier Wells (1884–1978), American botanist and ecologist * Bezaleel Wells (1773–1846), American politician and landowner from Ohio *

Bill Wells Bill Wells (born c. 1963)Strong, Martin C. (2003) "Bill Wells", in ''The Great Indie Discography'', Canongate, is a Scottish bassist, pianist, guitarist and composer. Biography Wells is completely self-taught, and began performing in clubs in ...

, Scottish musician * Bill Wells (footballer) (William George "Bill" Wells, a.k.a. "Bomber" Wells, 1920–2013), Australian Rules footballer * Billy Wells (football player) (William Prescott Wells, 1931–2001), American footballer * Billy Wells (footballer) (William Charles Richard Wells, 1916–1984), Australian Rules footballer * Bob Wells (baseball) (Robert Lee Wells, born 1966), American baseball pitcher * Bob Wells (vandweller) (born 1955/1956), American YouTuber * Bomber Wells (Bryan Douglas Wells, 1930–2008), English cricketer *

Bonzi Wells Gawen DeAngelo "Bonzi" Wells (born September 28, 1976) is an American college basketball coach and former professional player who is currently an assistant coach at Georgia Tech and previously was head coach at LeMoyne-Owen. He played college ba ...

(Gawen DeAngelo Wells, born 1976), American professional basketball player * Boomer Wells (David Lee Wells, born 1963), American baseball pitcher * Bowen Wells (born 1935), British politician * Briant H. Wells (1871–1949), American major general * Bruce Wells (1933–2009), English boxer * Bubba Wells (Charles Richard "Bubba" Wells, born 1974), American basketball player * Bulkeley Wells (1872–1931), "colourful character"

C

* Cal Wells, American businessman *

Caroline Louise Josephine Wells Caroline Louise Josephine Wells (August 1856 – 17 March 1939) was the first professionally qualified female dentist in Ontario, Canada. She was also the first person to provide dental services in mental hospitals in Ontario, and towards the end ...

(1856–1939), first professionally qualified female dentist in Ontario, Canada. *

Carolyn Wells Carolyn Wells (June 18, 1862 — March 26, 1942) was an American mystery author and poet. Life and career Born in Rahway, New Jersey, she was the daughter of William Edmund and Anna Potter Wells (née Woodruff). After finishing school, she wo ...

(1862–1942), American author and poet * Casper Wells, American baseball player * Charles Wells (disambiguation) * Charlie Wells (Charles Wells 1892–1929), Australian Rules footballer * Charlie Wells (Charles Harding Wells 1923–2004), Mississippi hardboiled mystery writer * Charlotte Fowler Wells, 19th-century American phrenologist and publisher * Charlotte Wells, 21st-century Scottish film director * Chris Wells (disambiguation) * Clara Louisa Wells (c.1850-c.1925), American writer and inventor * Clark Henry Wells (1822–1888), U.S. Navy Rear Admiral *

Claudia Wells Claudia Wells is an American actress and businesswoman, best known for her role as Jennifer Parker in the 1985 film ''Back to the Future''. Early life Wells was born on July 5, 1966 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Her family moved to the San Franci ...

(born 1966), American actress * Clifford Wells (1896–1977), American basketball coach *

Clyde Kirby Wells Clyde Kirby Wells, (born November 9, 1937) was the fifth premier of Newfoundland from 1989 to 1996, and subsequently Chief Justice of Newfoundland and Labrador, sitting on the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador (Court of Appeal) from ...

(born 1937), Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador * Colin Wells (disambiguation) * Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (aka "Connie", born 1960), Australian politician *

Cory Wells Cory Wells (born Emil Lewandowski; February 5, 1941 – October 20, 2015) was an American singer, best known as one of the three lead vocalists in the band Three Dog Night. Early life Wells came from a musical family and began playing in Buffal ...

(1942–2015), American singer (Three Dog Night) *

Cyril Wells Cyril Mowbray Wells (21 March 1871 – 22 August 1963) was an English cricketer, rugby footballer and schoolmaster. Educated at Dulwich College and Trinity College, Cambridge, Wells played first-class cricket for Cambridge University, Surrey a ...

(1871–1963), English cricketer, rugby footballer and schoolmaster

D

* Daniel Wells (disambiguation) * David Wells (disambiguation) *

Dawn Wells Dawn Elberta Wells (October 18, 1938 – December 30, 2020) was an American actress. She is best known for her role as Mary Ann Summers in the sitcom ''Gilligan's Island''. Early life Wells was born to Evelyn (née Steinbrenner) and Joe Wesle ...

(1938–2020), American actress * Dean Wells (disambiguation) * Deane Wells (born 1949), Australian politician *

Delores Wells Delores Marie Wells (October 17, 1937 – February 9, 2016) was an American model and actress. She was ''Playboy'' magazine's Playmate of the Month for its June 1960 issue and was one of the cover models in January 1961. Early life Wells was ...

(1937–2016), American model, actress, Playboy Playmate June 1960 *

Derek Wells Derek M. Wells (born 28 November 1946) is a former Canadian politician who served as the Liberal member of Parliament for the riding of South Shore from 1993 to 1997. Early life and education Born in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, Wells grad ...

(born 1946), Canadian politician, lawyer and businessman *

Dicky Wells William Wells (June 10, 1907 or 1909 – November 12, 1985), known professionally as Dicky Wells (sometimes Dickie Wells), was an American jazz trombonist. Early life Wells was born in Centerville, Tennessee. Early in his life, he lived in Cent ...

(William Wells, 1907–1985), American jazz trombonist * Dino Wells (David R. Wells Jr, born 1971), American actor, writer and production assistant *

Dolly Wells Dorothy Perpetua Wells (born Gatacre; 5 December 1971)Burke's Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage, vol. III, 2003, pg 3046 is an English actress. She co-wrote and starred in the Sky Living series '' Doll & Em'' (2014–2015) with Emily Mortimer, ...

(born 1971), English actress *

Doris Wells Doris Wells (born Doris María Buonafina; 28 October 1943 – 20 September 1988) was a Venezuelan actress, writer and producer. Her best-known television appearances were in ''Campeones'', ''La trepadora'', ''La Hora'', ''Historia de tres herman ...

(1943–1988), Venezuelan actress, writer, and director * Dustin Wells (born 1983), Australian soccer player

E

* EJ Wells and Samantha Brady, fictional characters from the American soap opera ''Days of our Lives'' * Earle Wells (1933–2021), New Zealand Olympic Gold medallist in yachting * Ed Wells (baseball) (1900–1986), American baseball pitcher, nickname "Satchelfoot" * Edmund W. Wells (1846–1938), American jurist, businessman, and politician. *

Edward Wells (theologian) Edward Wells (1667–1727) was an English mathematician, geographer, and controversial theologian. Life He was the son of Edward Wells, vicar of Corsham, Wiltshire. He was admitted to Westminster School in 1680, and elected to a scholarship at ...

(1667–1727), English mathematician, geographer, and controversial theologian * Edward Wells (MP) (1821–1910), English Conservative Party politician, MP for Wallingford 1872–80 * Edward Curtis Wells (1910–1986), director of Boeing Company, designer of the Boeing 747 * Edward Wells (RNZAF officer) (1916–2005), New Zealand

flying ace A flying ace, fighter ace or air ace is a military aviation, military aviator credited with shooting down a certain minimum number of enemy aircraft during aerial combat; the exact number of aerial victories required to officially qualify as an ...

of the Second World War * Emmeline B. Wells (1828–1921), American journalist, editor, poet, women's rights advocate and diarist * Erastus Wells (1823–1893), American politician and businessman *

Erik Wells Erik Patrick Wells (born February 5, 1967) is an American politician and former television news anchor. Wells was born and raised in California, but moved to West Virginia in the early 1990s to further his career in journalism. Wells was a po ...

, contemporary American politician and former television news anchor *

Evelyn Wells Evelyn Wells (7 April 1899 – 6 September 1984) was a 20th-century American biographer and author most known for her biographies of the ancient Egyptian royals of the 18th dynasty, Nefertiti and Hatshepsut. Biography Evelyn Minerva Wells was born ...

, 20th century biographer and author

F

* Fay Gillis Wells (1908–2002), pioneer aviator, journalist and broadcaster *

Frank Wells Franklin G. Wells (March 4, 1932 – April 3, 1994) was an American businessman who served as President and Chief Operating Officer of The Walt Disney Company from 1984 until his death in 1994. Life and career Wells was born in Coronado, Califo ...

(1932–1994), American entertainment businessman

G

* G. Wells (Sussex cricketer), English cricketer active 1814–1821 * G. P. Wells, English astronomer (Guy Paul Wells FRAS) * G. P. Wells (George Philip Wells, 1901–1985), zoologist, author and son of H. G. Wells * Gary L. Wells, American Psychology Professor and Researcher (born 1950) * Garrett Wells, fictional attorney on the American TV legal series ''Boston Legal'' * Gawen DeAngelo "Bonzi" Wells (born 1976), American basketball player *

Geoffrey of Wells Geoffrey of Wells (Galfridius Fontibus) was a mid-12th-century English hagiographer and a canon of Wells Cathedral, whose ' ("The infancy of Saint Edmund"), part of the burgeoning library of 12th-century legendaries concerning Saint Edmund, accou ...

(Galfridius Fontibus), mid-twelfth-century English

hagiographer A hagiography (; ) is a biography of a saint or an ecclesiastical leader, as well as, by extension, an wiktionary:adulatory, adulatory and idealized biography of a preacher, priest, founder, saint, monk, nun or icon in any of the world's religi ...

* George Wells (disambiguation) * Georgeann Wells, American basketball player active in the 1980s * Gisa (Bishop of Wells), also spelt Giso, bishop from 1060 to 1088 *

Greg Wells William Gregory Wells (born 1968) is a Canadian record producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and mix engineer. He has worked with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Quincy Jones, J*Davey, Burt Bacharach, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Missy Elliott, ...

(born 1968), Canadian musician and record producer *

Greg Wells (baseball) Gregory De Wayne "Boomer" Wells (born April 25, 1954) also known as "Boomer" is an American former professional baseball player. Wells played Major League Baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays in and for the Minnesota Twins in . Wells also played ...

(born 1954), American baseball player *

Greg Wells (footballer, born 1950) William Gregory Wells (born 1968) is a Canadian record producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and mix engineer. He has worked with Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Quincy Jones, J*Davey, Burt Bacharach, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Missy Elliott, Cel ...

, Australian rules footballer * Greg Wells (footballer, born 1952), Australian rules footballer * Guilford Wiley Wells (1840–1909), U.S. Representative from Mississippi

H

Harrison Wells Harrison Wells is the name of several characters portrayed by Tom Cavanagh in The CW's Arrowverse franchise, primarily on the television series ''The Flash''. Wells, created by Geoff Johns, Greg Berlanti, and Andrew Kreisberg, is an original cre ...

, a fictional character * Harry Wells (disambiguation) * Heber Manning Wells (1859–1938), American politician, first governor of Utah *

Helen Wells Helen Wells (1910–1986) was the author of nurse Cherry Ames books, a series for young teens. She wrote volumes #1–7 and #17–27. She was also the author of the first four Vicki Barr books and possibly the last Vicki Barr book. External ...

(1910–1986), author of nurse Cherry Ames books, a series for young teens * Helena Wells, later Whitford (1761?- 1824), American-English novelist and writer * Henry Wells (disambiguation) * Herbert George Wells (

H. G. Wells Herbert George Wells (21 September 1866 – 13 August 1946) was an English writer, prolific in many genres. He wrote more than fifty novels and dozens of short stories. His non-fiction output included works of social commentary, politics, hist ...

, 1866–1946), prolific British science fiction writer and Fabian socialist * Herbert Wells (soccer) (1901–1978), U.S. soccer player *

Herman B Wells Herman B Wells (June 7, 1902 – March 18, 2000), a native of Boone County, Indiana, was the eleventh president of Indiana University Bloomington and its first university chancellor. He was pivotal in the transformation of Indiana Universi ...

(1902–2000), 11th president of Indiana University * Holly Wells (1991–2002), British murder victim in the 2002 Soham murders * Horace Wells (1815–1848), pioneering American dentist * Horatio Wells (1807–1858), American lawyer and politician * Hugh de Wells, (d. 1235), medieval Bishop of Lincoln. *

Humphrey Wells Humphrey Wells was an American politician who served as the Governor of Georgia The governor of Georgia is the head of government of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia and the commander-in-chief of the state's Georgia National Guard, National G ...

, former

Governor of Georgia The governor of Georgia is the head of government of Georgia (U.S. state), Georgia and the commander-in-chief of the state's Georgia National Guard, National Guard, when not in federal service, and Georgia State Defense Force, State Defense Fo ...

I

Ida B. Wells Ida Bell Wells-Barnett (July 16, 1862 – March 25, 1931) was an American investigative journalist, sociologist, educator, and early leader in the civil rights movement. She was one of the founders of the National Association for the Advance ...

(1862–1931), African American civil rights leader * Ima Wells (1936–2014), American educator and politician * Ira K. Wells (1871–1934), American lawyer and federal judge

J

J. Wells Jon Wells (born 1983) is an American record producer, record executive, and rapper. He is a member of the Likwit Crew. Biography Wells was born and raised in Chicago but moved to California, then later to Atlanta, Georgia when he was young. He t ...

(born Jon Wells, 1982), record producer and occasional rapper *

Jabez H. Wells Jabez Hewitt Wells (October 10, 1853 – January 24, 1930) was an American curler, hotel owner, and politician. Born in the town of Fort Winnebago, Columbia County, Wisconsin, Wells was educated in the Columbia County public schools. He was ...

(1853–1930), American politician and curler *

Jack Wells (disambiguation) Jack Wells may refer to: * John K. Wells (fl. 1920s), American filmmaker in Australia * Jack Wells (footballer) (1883–1966) * Jack Wells (sportscaster) (1911–1999) * Jack Wells (gymnast) (1926–2010) * Jack Wells (rugby league) (born 1997) ...

Jair-Rôhm Parker Wells Jair-Rôhm Parker Wells (born October 13, 1958) is an American free improvising electric bassist. He is one of the founding members of the improvising band Machine Gun with Thomas Chapin and Robert Musso and the founder of the Meeting Interdis ...

(born 1958), American free jazz bassist, composer and conceptualist * James Wells (disambiguation) * James Babbage Wells Jr. (1850–1923), Texan judge * James L. Wells, New York State Treasurer 1915–1920 *

James Madison Wells James Madison Wells (January 7, 1808February 28, 1899) was a planter, lawyer, and politician who became the 20th Governor of Louisiana during Reconstruction. Although a slave owner, Wells opposed secession and remained loyal to The Union thro ...

, Louisiana governor 1865–1867 * James Murray Wells, English entrepreneur (Glasses Direct) * James Pearson Wells (1822–1896), Canadian farmer and political figure * Jane Sinclair Wells (born 1952) British composer and saxophonist * Jane Wells (born 1961), CNBC business news reporter * Jared Wells (born 1981), American baseball pitcher * Jason Wells (disambiguation) *

Jay Wells Gordon Jay Wells (born May 18, 1959) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach. He was nicknamed "The Hammer" for his tough, physical style of play. Playing career Wells played his junior hockey with the Kingston Canadians o ...

(born 1959), Canadian ice hockey player *

Jaylen Wells Jaylen Wells (born August 26, 2003) is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Sonoma State Seawolves and the Washington State Cougars. ...

(born 2003), American basketball player * Jayson Wells (born 1976), American basketball player * Jean Wells, American artist *

Jeremy Wells Jeremy Wells (born 19 January 1977) is a New Zealand Broadcast media, media personality who hosts the Radio Hauraki breakfast show with Manaia Stewart, ''Seven Sharp'' alongside Hilary Barry, and ''Taskmaster New Zealand''. Career Wells fir ...

(born 1977), New Zealand television personality *

Jerold Wells Jerold Wells (8 August 1908 – 19 July 1999) was an English actor. He was born in Wallington, Hampshire, and died in Bath, Somerset. He appeared primarily in British comedies. Films included ''Adventures of a Plumber's Mate'' and the TV-m ...

(1908–1999), English actor * Jerry Lee Wells (1944–2014), American basketball player * Jim L. Wells, American sports radio host *

Jim Wells (politician) Jim Wells (born 27 April 1957) is a Northern Irish unionist politician who was Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety from 2014 to 2015. He additionally served on an interim basis as deputy speaker of the Northern Ireland Asse ...

(born 1957), Irish politician * Jim Wells (baseball) (born 1955), American baseball coach * Jo Bailey Wells British Anglican bishop and theologian *

Jocelin of Wells Jocelin of Wells (died 19 November 1242) was a medieval Bishop of Bath (and Glastonbury). He was the brother of Hugh de Wells, who became Bishop of Lincoln. Jocelin became a canon of Wells Cathedral before 1200, and was elected bishop in 1 ...

(died 1242), medieval Bishop of Bath and Wells * Jodie Wells and Pearl Wells, in

Jacqueline Wilson Dame Jacqueline Wilson (' Aitken; born 17 December 1945) is an English novelist known for her popular children's literature. Her novels have been notable for tackling realistic topics such as adoption and divorce. Since her debut novel in 1969, ...

's book ''My Sister Jodie'' *

Joey Wells Joseph ("Joey") Wells (born December 22, 1965) is a retired male long jumper from the Bahamas, best known for finishing sixth at the 1984 Olympic Games The 1984 Olympics may refer to: *The 1984 Winter Olympics, which were h ...

(born 1965), Bahamian long jumper * Jonathan Wells (disambiguation) * John Wells (disambiguation) * Joseph Wells (disambiguation) * Jordan C. Wells, head coach of the Syracuse college football program from 1892 * Julie Elizabeth Wells (born 1935), more popularly known as

Julie Andrews Dame Julie Andrews (born Julia Elizabeth Wells; 1 October 1935) is an English actress, singer, and author. She has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career spanning over eight decades, including an Academy Award, a British Academy Fi ...

* Juliette Wells, American author and

Jane Austen Jane Austen ( ; 16 December 1775 – 18 July 1817) was an English novelist known primarily for #List of works, her six novels, which implicitly interpret, critique, and comment on the English landed gentry at the end of the 18th century ...

specialist *

Junior Wells Junior Wells (born Amos Wells Blakemore Jr.; December 9, 1934January 15, 1998) was an American singer, harmonica player, and recording artist. He is best known for his signature song " Messin' with the Kid" and his 1965 album '' Hoodoo Man Blues ...

(1934–1998), born Amos Blakemore, was a blues vocalist and harmonica player * Junius F. Wells (1854–1930), first head of the Mormon "Young Men's Mutual Improvement Association"

K

* Keith Wells (1962–1994), convicted and executed murderer * Kent Wells (born 1967), American football player * Kerry Anne Wells, Miss Australia and Miss Universe, 1972 * Killian Wells, American pop music artist and entrepreneur *

Kip Wells Robert "Kip" Wells (born April 21, 1977) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. In his Major League Baseball (MLB) career, he played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, Colorado Rockies, Chicago White So ...

(born Robert Wells, 1977), American baseball player *

Kitty Wells Ellen Muriel Deason (August 30, 1919 – July 16, 2012), known professionally as Kitty Wells, was an American pioneering female country music singer. She broke down a barrier for women in country music with her 1952 hit recording " It Wasn't God ...

(1919–2012), stage name of Ellen Deason, American country music singer * Kristin Wells, the secret identity of the 1981 version of DC Comics Superwoman

L

* L. M. Wells (1862–1923), American actor of the silent era * Lawrence Wells (1860–1938), Australian explorer * Lemuel H. Wells (1841–1936), first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane * Leo Wells (1917–2006), American baseball player * Lesley B. Wells (born 1937), U.S. federal judge * Lightnin' Wells, American Piedmont blues multi-instrumentalist and singer * Lilian Wells (1911–2001), Australian church leader * Linton Wells (1893–1976), American foreign correspondent, world traveller and pioneer broadcaster * Lloyd C. A. Wells (1924–2005), American sports photographer and civil rights advocate * Lloyd Wells (born c. mid-1940s), American jazz guitarist * Lynn Wells, American civil rights activist during the 1960s

M

Malcolm Wells Malcolm Wells (March 11, 1926 – November 27, 2009) was an American architect who is regarded as "the father of modern earth-sheltered architecture." Wells lived on Cape Cod, Massachusetts in a modern earth-sheltered building of his own design. ...

(1926–2009), American architect, "father of modern earth-sheltered home" *

Margaret Bruce Wells Margaret Caroline Bruce Wells (née Bruce; 13 June 1909 – 4 December 1998) was a British artist known for her use of woodcut and linocut techniques. Biography Although born in Murthly in Perthshire, Wells attended Queen Margaret School in Sca ...

(1909–1998), British artist and printmaker *

Margot Wells Margot Wells (née Wilkie; born 10 October 1952) is a Scottish sprint and fitness coach based in Guildford, Surrey and a former Scottish champion sprinter. Early career Wells started her coaching career by helping her husband Allan Wells wi ...

(born 1952), Scottish sprinter and English sprint and fitness coach * Mark Wells (1957–2024), American ice hockey player * Mark Wells (footballer) (born 1971), British soccer player *

Mark Wells (musician) Mark Wells (born 22 April 1973) is an Australian born musician and record producer, best known as the bass player for The Ronnie Wood Band, and the founding member of Twenty Two Hundred (band), Twenty Two Hundred. In 2001, Wells produced the ...

(born 1973), Australian musician and record producer *

Martha Wells Martha Wells (born September 1, 1964) is an American writer of speculative fiction. She has published a number of science fiction and fantasy novels, young adult novels, media tie-ins, short stories, and nonfiction essays on SF/F subjects; her n ...

(born 1964), American fantasy and science fiction author *

Mary Wells Mary Esther Wells (May 13, 1943 – July 26, 1992) was an American singer, who helped to define the emerging sound of Motown in the early 1960s. Along with the Supremes, the Miracles, the Temptations, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, and the F ...

(1943–1992), American singer * Mary K. Wells (1920–2000), American television writer and actress *

Matt Wells (television presenter) Matt Wells is a Canadian actor and writer from Newfoundland and Labrador. He began in national television on MuchMusic in 2002 as host of the show ''Going Coastal'', followed by ''Where you at Baby?''. and later became a presenter on MuchMore. ...

, Canadian videographer, TV co-host and singer *

Matt Wells (boxer) Matthew Wells (14 December 1886 – 27 June 1953) was a British professional boxer in the lightweight and welterweight divisions. In 1911, he held the Lightweight Championship of Great Britain, and in 1914 he claimed the Welterweight Champi ...

(1886–1953), British Olympic and professional boxer * Matthew Wells (field hockey) (born 1978), Australian Olympic field hockey defender * Matthew Wells (American football) (born 1990), American football player * Meech Wells, American hip-hop music producer, son of Mary Wells * Melissa F. Wells (born 1932), diplomat and former United States Ambassador *

Michaele Pride-Wells Michaele Pride-Wells (born 1956) is an American architect and educator. She is a professor of architecture at the University of New Mexico. She was the first woman-owned and operated architecture firm in the state of California. Pride-Wells was th ...

(born 1956), American architect and educator * Mike Wells (defensive lineman) (born 1971), American footballer * Mike Wells (quarterback) (born 1951), American footballer * Milton Wells (1829–1906), American Union Civil War brevet brigadier general * Monty Garland-Wells (1907–1993), English cricketer * Murray C. Wells (born 1936), Australian economist

N

Nahki Wells Nahki Michael Wells (born 1 June 1990) is a Bermudian professional association football, footballer who plays as a Forward (association football), forward for club Bristol City F.C., Bristol City and the Bermuda national football team, Bermuda ...

(born 1990), Bermudian professional footballer for

Huddersfield Town Huddersfield Town Association Football Club is a professional association football club based in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, England. They compete in , the third tier of English football league system, English football. Huddersfield Town we ...

Nathaniel Wells Nathaniel Wells (10 September 1779 – 13 May 1852) was a British planter and politician of Afro-Caribbean descent. Born on a slave plantation in Saint Kitts, he was sent to Britain to complete his education, eventually serving as a magistrate ...

(1779–1852), Welsh landowner, magistrate and Britain's first black sheriff * Newton Alonzo Wells (1852–1923) American visual artist and educator *

Nick Wells Nick Wells (born February 11, 1951) is a retired heavyweight boxer. He was selected a member of the All-American AAU boxing team for 1973, and was named the top heavyweight amateur boxer in the nation in 1973 by the National AAU Boxing Committee ...

(born 1951), American heavyweight boxer * Nina Mitchell Wells, American lawyer, academic and currently Secretary of State of New Jersey *

Noël Wells Noël Kristi Wells (born December 23, 1986) is an American actress, comedian, singer, and writer. She is known for her television roles as Rachel Silva in the Netflix comedy-drama ''Master of None'' (20152017), as the voice of Kelsey Pokoly in th ...

(born 1986), American comedian and actress * Norm Wells, American football player

O

* Oliver Elwin Wells, American educator * Orlando Wells (born 1973), British actor * George

Orson Welles George Orson Welles (May 6, 1915 – October 10, 1985) was an American director, actor, writer, producer, and magician who is remembered for his innovative work in film, radio, and theatre. He is among the greatest and most influential film ...

, American film director * Owen A. Wells (1844–1935), U.S. Representative from Wisconsin *

Owen Wells (basketball) Owen Wells (December 9, 1950 – April 27, 1993) was an American professional basketball player. A 6'7" forward, he attended the University of Detroit Mercy and went to English High School in Boston, Massachusetts. Wells played 33 games for th ...

(1950–1993)

P

Patricia Wells Patricia Wells (born 5 November 1946 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin) is a cookbook author and teacher. Biography She divides her time between Paris and Provence. She is the author of numerous food-related books. Her book ''Patricia Wells at Home in Prov ...

(born 1946), US cookbook author * Paul Wells (born 1966), Canadian journalist * Pearl Wells and Jodie Wells, in

's book ''My Sister Jodie'' * Percy Wells (1891–1964), British trade union official and Member of Parliament * Percy Wells (businessman) (1825–1909) associated with marine civil engineering in South Australia. * Peter Wells (disambiguation) *

Philip Steven Wells Philip Steven Wells is a Canadian hematologist and current chair and Chief of Medicine at the University of Ottawa and The Ottawa Hospital. He is considered an expert in thromboembolic disorders and is known for developing the Wells risk score for ...

, Canadian hematologist * Pro Wells (born 1998), American football player

R

Randall Wells Albert Randall Wells (1877–1942) was an English Arts and Crafts movement, Arts and Crafts architect, designer, craftsman and inventor. He was the son of an architect, Arthur Wells of Hastings. After a practical training in joinery and foundin ...

(Albert Randall Wells, 1877–1942), English architect *

Randy Wells Randy David Wells (born August 28, 1982) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays and Chicago Cubs. Professional career Wells was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the ...

(Randy David Wells, 1982) baseball pitcher * Ray Wells (born 1980), American football player *

Rebecca Wells Rebecca Wells (born February 3, 1953) is an American author, actor, and playwright known for the ''Ya-Ya Sisterhood'' series, which includes the books '' Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood'', '' Little Altars Everywhere'', ''Ya-Yas in Bloom ...

(born 1953), actress, playwright, author of ''Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood'' * Reggie Wells (born 1980), American footballer * Reginald Fairfax Wells (1877–1951), British artist and aviator * Renward Wells (born 1970), Bahamian sprinter * Rhoshii Wells (1976–2008), American boxer *

Rob Wells Rob Wells (born 1971/1972) is a Canadian producer and songwriter, and is one half of music production team "The Fourth Floor" with award-winning singer/songwriter/recording artist Shobha. Artists that Wells has worked with includes Ariana ...

(born 1972), Canadian songwriter, musician and record producer *

Robb Wells Robert Christopher "Robb" Wells (born March 20) is a Canadians, Canadian actor, comedian, and screenwriter best known for portraying Ricky LaFleur, Ricky in ''Trailer Park Boys''. Early life Wells was graduated from Saint Mary's University (Hal ...

(born 1971), Canadian actor and screenwriter * Robert Wells (disambiguation) * Robin Wells (born 1959), American economist * Robison Wells (born 1978), American novelist * Rolla Wells (1856–1944), American politician *

Rosemary Wells Rosemary Wells (born January 29, 1943) is an American writer and illustrator of children's books. She often uses animal characters to address real human issues. Some of her most well-known characters are Max & Ruby and Timothy from Timothy Goes t ...

, contemporary author of children's books * RowVaughn Wells (born ), American activist * Roy Wells (born 1978), American baseball player for the Seattle Mariners * Rulon S. Wells (1854–1941), Utah politician * Rupert Mearse Wells (1835–1902), Canadian politician

S

Sally Wells Sally Wells is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera ''Neighbours'', played by Rowena Mohr. She debuted on-screen during the episode airing on 15 October 1987. During her time in the serial her storylines were centered on her on-scr ...

, fictional character in the Australian soap opera Neighbours * Samuel Wells (1801–1868), American politician, Governor of Maine *

Samuel Garnet Wells Samuel Garnet Wells (a.k.a. Samuel Garnet Smith-Wells) (2 February 1885 – 12 March 1972) was an Australian cartoonist, caricaturist, artist, and draughtsman. Over a career of almost half a century, he worked at the '' Williamstown Chronicle'' ...

(1885–1972), Australian artist, cartoonist, and caricaturist * Sarajane Wells (1913/1914 - 1987), American actress and educator *

Scott James Wells Scott James Wells (July 4, 1961 – October 28, 2015) was an American actor and model, primarily noted for playing the villain Lex Luthor during the first season of the television series ''Superboy''. After his departure from the series in 1989, ...

, contemporary American actor * Scott Wells (American football) (born 1981) * Shan Wells, contemporary American sculptor and political illustrator * Sigar of Wells (died c. 996), Bishop of Wells *

Simon of Wells Simon may refer to: People * Simon (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters with the given name Simon * Simon (surname), including a list of people with the surname Simon * Eugène Simon, French naturalist and the genus ...

(died 1207), medieval Bishop of Chichester *

Simon Wells Simon Finlay Wells (born 1961) is an English film director of animation and live-action films. He is the great-grandson of author H. G. Wells, and is best known for directing '' An American Tail: Fievel Goes West'' (1991), '' Balto'' (1995), an ...

(born 1961), director, great-grandson of H. G. Wells * Spencer Wells (born 1969), geneticist and anthropologist * Stanfield Wells, American Footballer active c. 1910 *

Stanley Wells Sir Stanley William Wells, (born 21 May 1930) is an English Shakespearean scholar, writer, professor and editor who has been honorary president of the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, professor emeritus at Birmingham University, and author of many ...

(born 1930), British Shakespeare scholar and academic *

Steven Wells Steven Wells (10 May 1960 – 24 June 2009) was a British journalist, author, comedian and punk poet born in Swindon, Wiltshire. He was best known for ranting poetry and his provocative, unapologetic music journalism. In June 2006, he wrote in ...

(born 1960–2009), British journalist and author formerly based in USA * Sue Wells, contemporary New Zealand author and city councillor *

Swithun Wells Swithun Wells (c. 1536 – 10 December 1591) was an English Roman Catholic martyr who was executed during the reign of Elizabeth I of England, Elizabeth I. Wells was a country gentleman and one time schoolmaster whose family sheltered hunted p ...

(c. 1536–1591), beatified English Catholic martyr

T

Ted Wells Theodore Von Wells, Jr. (born April 28, 1950) is an American trial lawyer and defense attorney. He is a partner at the New York law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, where he is co-chair of its litigation department. For his pract ...

, American criminal attorney * Terry Wells (born 1963), American baseball pitcher * Thomas Wells (disambiguation) * Todd Wells, contemporary American bicycle racer (cyclo-cross and mountain bike) * Tommy Wells (born 1957), Washington, D.C., politician * Tyler Wells (born 1994), American baseball player *

Tyrone Wells Tyrone Wells is an American singer-songwriter from Spokane, Washington. He is the lead vocalist of the duo, Oh the Larceny, with Dustin Burnett as the producer. He is also the lead vocalist for the bands WAR*HALL and Royal Deluxe. Career Well ...

, contemporary American singer/songwriter in the folk pop genre

V

Vernon Wells (baseball) Vernon Wells III (born December 8, 1978) is an American former professional baseball center fielder. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Toronto Blue Jays, the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, and the New York Yankees. Wells has appe ...

III (born 1978), American baseball player *

Vernon Wells (actor) Vernon George Wells (born 31 December 1945) is an Australian character actor. He began appearing on Australian television shows in the mid-1970s, such as ''Homicide'', ''Matlock Police'' and ''All the Rivers Run''. He is best known to internat ...

(born 1945), Australian film and television actor *

Vince Wells Vincent John Wells (born 6 August 1965) is an English former professional cricketer. He played nine Limited Overs Internationals for the England cricket team during January–April 1999 and was a member of the squad for the 1999 Cricket World C ...

(born 1965), English cricketer

W

* W. Wells (Middlesex cricketer), English cricketer active 1791–1816 * W. Woodbury Wells (1860–1901), Canadian teacher, lawyer and political figure *

Warren Wells Warren Wells (November 14, 1942 – December 27, 2018) was an American professional football player who was a wide receiver for five seasons in the National Football League (NFL) and American Football League (AFL). He played with the Detroit Lio ...

(1942–2018), American football player * Wayne Richard Wells (1965–2014) (aka

Wayne Static Wayne Richard Wells (November 4, 1965 – November 1, 2014), known professionally as Wayne Static, was an American musician, best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, and primary lyricist for the industrial metal band St ...

), American metal musician * Wayne Wells (wrestler) (born 1946), American Olympic wrestler * William Wells (disambiguation)

Z

* Zach Wells (born Zachary Stephen Wells, 1981), American soccer goalkeeper * Zachariah Wells (born 1976), Canadian poet, critic, essayist and editor *

Zeb Wells Zeb Wells (born April 28, 1977) is an American comic book writer, screenwriter, director, and voice actor. He is known for his controversial Amazing Spider-Man comic book run and New Mutants comic book from Marvel Comics, as well as being a writer ...

, American comic book writer

Fictional characters

*Chris Wells, a character in the 2008 television movie '' The Nanny Express'' *Claudie Wells, an

American Girl American Girl is an American line of dolls released on May 5, 1986, by Pleasant Company. The dolls portray eight- to fourteen-year-old girls of various ethnicities, faiths, nationalities, and social classes throughout different time periods ...

character from the Harlem Renaissance period *Raymond Wells, a character from 2015 video game

Life Is Strange ''Life Is Strange'' is a series of adventure games published by Square Enix's Square Enix External Studios, External Studios. Created by Dontnod Entertainment, the series debuted with the Life Is Strange (video game), eponymous first install ...

Bearers of the forename

* Wells A. Hutchins (1818–1895), U.S. Representative from Ohio *

Wells Coates Wells Wintemute Coates (December 17, 1895 – June 17, 1958) was an architect, designer and writer. He was, for most of his life, an expatriate Canadian who is best known for his work in England, the most notable of which is the Modernist block ...

(1895–1958), Canadian-born English architect, designer and writer * Wells Goodykoontz (1872–1944), American politician from West Virginia *

Wells Spicer Wells W. Spicer (1831–1885 or 1887) was an American journalist, prospector, politician, lawyer and judge whose legal career immersed him in two significant events in frontier history: the Mountain Meadows massacre in the Utah Territory in 1857; ...

(1831–1887?), American journalist, prospector, politician, lawyer and judge * Wells Thompson (born 1983), American soccer player *

Wells Tower Wells Tower (born April 14, 1973) is an American writer of short stories, non-fiction, feature films and television. In 2009 he published his first short story collection, ''Everything Ravaged, Everything Burned'' (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) to m ...

(born 1973), American writer of short stories and non-fiction * Wells Twombly (1935–1977), American sportswriter and author

Bearers in other parts of the name

* Berthold Wells Key (1895–1986), British Indian Army general * Charles Wells Russell (1818–1867), Confederate politician during the American Civil War *

Elizabeth Anne Wells Cannon Elizabeth Wells Cannon (December 7, 1859 – September 2, 1942), also referred to as Annie Wells Cannon, was a prominent women's suffragist in Utah who served in the Utah House of Representatives from 1913 to 1915 and again in 1921. She was ...

(1859–1942), women's suffragist and politician in Utah *

Elizabeth Wells Gallup Elizabeth Wells Gallup (1848 in Paris, New York Paris is a town in Oneida County, New York, United States. The town is in the southeast part of the county and is south of Utica. The population was 4,332 at the 2020 census. The town was named af ...

(1848–1934), American educator *

George Wells Beadle George Wells Beadle (October 22, 1903 – June 9, 1989) was an American geneticist. In 1958 he shared one-half of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine with Edward Tatum for their discovery of the role of genes in regulating biochemical even ...

(1903–1989), American scientist and Nobel Prize laureate * George Wells Parker (1882–1931), African American political activist and writer * Henry Wells Tracy (1807–1886), American politician * Irene Wells Pennington (1898–2003), a very savvy lady * James Wells Champney (1843–1903), American genre and portrait painter *

James Wells Robson James Wells Robson (March 1, 1867 – January 28, 1941) was a politician in Manitoba, Canada. He served in the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba from 1903 to 1910, as a member of the Conservative Party. Robson was born in Calcutta, India, t ...

(1867–1941), Canadian politician *

John Wells Foster John Wells Foster (March 4, 1815 – June 29, 1873) was an American geologist and archaeologist. Biography Foster was born March 4, 1815, in Petersham, Massachusetts where his father, Festus Foster was a minister. When Festus quit the ministry i ...

(1815–1873), American geologist and palaeontologist * Levi Wells Prentice (1851–1935), American still life and landscape painter *

Mary Wells Lawrence Mary Georgene Wells Lawrence (née Berg; May 25, 1928 – May 11, 2024) was an American advertising executive. She was the founding president of Wells, Rich, Greene, an advertising agency known for its creative work. She was the first female CEO ...

(born 1928), American advertising executive, first woman CEO of a listed company *

Reuben Wells Leonard Lieutenant-Colonel Reuben Wells Leonard (21 February 1860 – 17 December 1930) was a Canadian soldier, civil engineer, railroad and mining executive, and philanthropist. Life and career Reuben Wells Leonard was born in Brantford, Canada West, ...

(1860–1930), Canadian soldier, civil engineer, railroad and mining executive, and philanthropist *

Samuel Wells Morris Samuel Wells Morris (September 1, 1786 – May 25, 1847) was a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania. Samuel W. Morris was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Benjamin Wistar Morris. He pursued ...

(1786–1847), American politician *

Samuel Wells Williams Samuel Wells Williams (September 22, 1812 – February 16, 1884) was a linguist, official, missionary and sinologist from the United States in the early 19th century. Early life Williams was born in Utica, New York, son of William Williams (1 ...

(1812–1884), American linguist, missionary and

sinologist Sinology, also referred to as China studies, is a subfield of area studies or East Asian studies involved in social sciences and humanities research on China. It is an academic discipline that focuses on the study of the Chinese civilizatio ...

* Seth Wells Cheney (1810–1856), American artist * Sharlene Wells Hawkes (born 1964 in Paraguay), Miss America 1985, singer, reporter, publisher * Victoria Wells Wulsin (born 1953), American physician and aspiring politician *

William Wells Brown William Wells Brown (November 6, 1814 – November 6, 1884) was an American abolitionist, novelist, playwright, and historian. Born into slavery near Mount Sterling, Kentucky, Brown escaped to Ohio in 1834 at the age of 19. He settled in Boston, ...

(1814–1884), American abolitionist lecturer, novelist, playwright and historian *

William Wells Newell William Wells Newell (1839–1907) was an American folklorist, school teacher, minister and philosophy professor. Biography Newell was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He graduated from Harvard College and Harvard Divinity School. After tryi ...

(1839–1907), American folklorist, school teacher, minister and philosophy professor

References

{{surname, Wells Given names Given names originating from a surname English masculine given names Masculine given names English-language surnames English unisex given names