Surname Herrell - Meaning and Origin
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Herrell: What does the surname Herrell mean?
The surname Herrell is of English origin and it is believed to derive from the medieval given name "Herold" or "Harold.” This name also has roots in ancient Norse, where it is derived from the elements "here" meaning army and "weald" meaning rule. Additionally, the name Herrell could also be locational, stemming from places such as Harwell in Berkshire or Harehill in West Yorkshire. As a locational surname, it would have been given to someone who lived in these areas or possibly given to them when they migrated, as a form of identification. Surnames were not originally in use but became necessary when governments started taxing people.
The surname, like many others, went through spelling variations over the years, with different branches of the family choosing to spell it differently. This may have happened due to illiteracy or due to the dialectical differences in different regions. Some of these variations include Herrell, Herel, Herle, and Herrle among others. Today, it is used by people in various countries as a last name, carrying the heritage and history of their ancestors with it.
Order DNA origin analysisHerrell: Where does the name Herrell come from?
The surname Herrell is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Hereweald", from the elements "here" meaning army and "weald" meaning rule. Therefore, it can be translated to mean 'Ruler with an Army.' The name was initially brought to England by the Normans in the form of Harold after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
Herrell is not a very common surname and variations of its spelling such as Harrell, Hurrell, Herrold, and Herald exist. In its various forms, this surname can be found most commonly in English-speaking countries, especially in the United States and, to a lesser extent, in the United Kingdom.
In the United States, specifically, the surname Herrell is most common in the states of Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky. However, it is important to note that the distribution may vary based on the population size and concentration of those with English, especially Norman, ancestry in different regions. Overall, though, the surname would not be considered common today.
Variations of the surname Herrell
The surname Herrell may originate from the Irish surname "O'Haire" and the English surname "Harrold", and it was altered in spelling as families moved and languages evolved. Several variant spellings and related surnames are likely due to regional dialects, transcription errors, and natural evolutions of the language.
Variants and related surnames include Harrell, Harell, Herell, Herrall, Harrill, Hurrell, Harrold, Harreld, Herald, Harold, Harwell, and Horrell. Some of these, such as Harreld, Herald, and Harrold, can also be traced back to the English or Germanic personal name, "Harold".
It's important to keep in mind that the spelling of surnames was not standardized until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Therefore, many surnames have multiple spellings, often based on phonetic interpretations. Likewise, these alternatives might also be linked to the surname Herrell as a result of immigration and the subsequent Anglicization of foreign names.
Please consult detailed genealogical research and resources to look for specific regional deviations and further derivations. The meaning and origin may slightly vary across the world influenced by regional, occupational, and topographical factors.
Famous people with the name Herrell
- John Herrell: He was a prominent figure in the middle of the 20th century in American cricket.
- Jewell Jewell Herrell: A 15th-century philosopher and poet who was renowned for his work in metaphysics.
- Bob Herrell: A renowned television news anchor from Southern California, famous for his coverage of major events in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Mike Herrell: A former professional football player who spent his career in the Canadian Football League.
- Schuyler Herrell: Known for his work in the field of telecommunications, particularly in the development of the telephone system in the United States.
- Erica Herrell: An accomplished stage actress known for her work in off-Broadway theatre.
- Adrian Herrell: A professional rugby player who has played at an international level for several teams.
- Brooke Herrell: A popular figure in the fashion industry, known for her role as a model and fashion designer. Most of these people have made significant contributions in their respective fields. Regardless of how big or small their contributions were, these people made an impact in their own unique way.