How come I found a Wendy on the 1841 census?

Answer 1

The first name Wendy was not popular in the Anglosphere until after the Peter Pan mythos became well known. It was so rare that some have been led to speculate that the name was an invention by author J. M. Barrie. This is only half-true. Although the name Wendy is a shortening of the Welsh name Gwendolyn, in this instance it is believed to be derived from the phrase "friendy wendy," used by a child named Margaret Henley, whom Barrie befriended in the 1890s.

Answer 2

It might be a case where two people "made up" the same name, just a few decades apart. I know two people named "Josanna." Both their parents "made up the name" by combining two different names.

According to the name analyzer cited below, there were virtually no people named Wendy born in North America until the 1920s (though that might have little bearing on England and the rest of Europe. Not sure where your census comes from).

Answer 3

The name Wendy, meaning brilliant or pure, probably derives from ancient Welsh names Guenivere and Gwendoline and there are records of the name Wendy being recorded in British Census's in 1820 and 1840. It is a popular misconception that J M Barrie invented the name for his book Peter Pan. However this is only partly true in that he created the name as follows:-

While research shows that Barrie didn't invent the name "Wendy", he might as well have. Barrie introduced the character Wendy Darling in Peter Pan in 1904. It is well-known that J.M. Barrie's work was often inspired by the antics of children. Many important characters in his books are modeled after children of his friends and associates.
One such child was a little girl named Margaret Henley who adored Barrie and always called him "my friendy". However, because she couldn't pronounce her r's, the words came out "my fwendy". One variation of the tale says Margaret called Barrie "friendy-wendy" or in her pronunciation, "fwendy-wendy".

Margaret Henley died at age six (c. 1895). But Barrie used Margaret's invented name "Wendy" for a character who symbolizes mothering, caring, loyalty, and undying friendship. Who would have thought that the tenor of the world would be affected by a nickname invented by a little six year old girl? Imagine the ripples she's caused.

So as you can see the name was already in use at the time the book was written.

Answer 4

I assume you're referring to the myth that the author of Peter Pan invented the name Wendy? Wendy has been short for the name Gwendolyn for centuries. It's an internet myth that the name originated with Peter Pan. However, its use in Peter Pan certainly did increase its usage in the world.

Answer 5

Apparently she was not away with the Lost Boys when they took the 1841 census :)

Answer 6

Good question, wasn't the name Wendy supposed to have been made up by the writer of Peter Pan (can't remember his name) I look forward to the responses to this question.

Answer 7

Born on a Tuesday - Tuesday. Born on a Wednesday - Wendy. Couldn't be easier.

Answer 8

Because there was a Wendy...Probably many Wendys'!

Answer 9

Didn't you know that Peter Pan was magic?

Answer 10

I'm a WENDY!!! :D