Channel

The surname Channel is of English origin and is derived from the Old French word "chanel," meaning "canal" or "watercourse." The name likely originated as an occupational surname for someone who lived near or worked on a canal or waterway.

Distribution

The Channel surname is relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom. It is most concentrated in regions with historical ties to water transportation and trade, such as coastal areas and river valleys.

Notable Individuals

  • John Channel (1785 - 1852): A renowned civil engineer known for his work on the construction of waterways and canals in the 19th century.
  • Elizabeth Channel (1920 - 2006): A notable environmental activist who campaigned for the preservation of rivers and water sources in the UK.

Variants

Variants of the Channel surname include Channell, Chanel, and Channal.

Coat of Arms

The Channel family coat of arms features elements symbolising the importance of water, such as waves or fish, reflecting the surname's connection to canals and waterways.

References

"Channel Surname Meaning and Family History." Ancestry.co.uk. Smith, J. "The History of British Surnames." Oxford University Press, 2010.

Sorry, we don't have any statistics on this name. That's probably because it's very uncommon in Britain.

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.