BELL

Origin and etymology In historic texts In the 1881 census Distribution map

Bell

Origin and Meaning

Bell is a common British surname that has its origins in the Middle Ages. It is derived from the medieval name "Bel", which was a short form of the given name "Isabel" or "Isabella". The name "Bell" is believed to have originated in England and Scotland.

Distribution and Popularity

The surname Bell is widespread in the United Kingdom, particularly in England and Scotland. It is also common in other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The popularity of the name can be attributed to its simple and easy to remember nature.

Notable Individuals

Alexander Graham Bell: A Scottish-born inventor, scientist, and engineer who is credited with inventing the first practical telephone.
Catherine Bell: An English-born American actress known for her roles in TV shows such as "JAG" and "Army Wives".
Gertrude Bell: An English writer, traveler, political officer, and archaeologist who played a key role in shaping British policy in the Middle East during the early 20th century.

Coat of Arms

The Bell family coat of arms typically features symbols such as bells, lions, eagles, or other heraldic elements. Coat of arms were used as a way to identify individuals in battle or tournaments, and they are still used today as a symbol of family pride and heritage.

Variants

Variants of the surname Bell include Belle, Beal, Beale, and Dell. These variants may have different origins or spellings but are all related to the same family name.

In conclusion, the surname Bell is a longstanding and notable name in British history, with a rich heritage and numerous distinguished individuals associated with it. Its widespread distribution and popularity make it a recognizable name in the English-speaking world.

There are approximately 107,505 people named Bell in the UK. That makes it the 47th most common surname in Britain. Around 1,651 in a million people in Britain are named Bell.

Surname type: Occupational name

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

Andrew
Christopher
David
James
John
Michael
Robert
Stephen
Thomas
William

Female

Catherine
Elizabeth
Helen
Karen
Margaret
Mary
Nicola
Patricia
Sarah
Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.