GELL
Gell
Origin and Meaning The surname Gell is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Gell" or "Giel". The name is believed to have been a pet form of names such as Gerard or Gerhard, which in turn, are of Germanic origin. The meaning of the name Gell is thought to be "spear strength" or "brave with a spear".
Distribution The surname Gell is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, with notable concentrations in Derbyshire, where the Gell family played a prominent role in local history. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, carried by descendants of British immigrants.
History and Notable Individuals The Gell family has a long history in Derbyshire, where they were landowners and politicians. Sir John Gell (1593–1671) was a prominent Parliamentarian commander during the English Civil War and played a significant role in the Siege of Lichfield. The Gell family seat was at Hopton Hall in Derbyshire, where they resided for centuries.
Variants Variants of the surname Gell include Gill, Ghell, and Jell. Over time, variations in spelling and pronunciation have led to the development of different forms of the surname.
Coat of Arms The Gell family coat of arms features a shield with a gold lion rampant on a black background, surrounded by various symbols and designs that represent the family's heritage and achievements.
Modern Usage In contemporary times, the surname Gell continues to be used by individuals across the United Kingdom and in countries with British heritage. While the name may not be as common as some other surnames, its historical significance and associations with Derbyshire make it a name of interest for those researching genealogy and local history.
There are approximately 1,408 people named Gell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 5,653rd most common surname in Britain. Around 22 in a million people in Britain are named Gell.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
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
- Anthony
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Ann
- Carol
- Claire
- Concepcion
- Fiona
- Gillian
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Pamela
- Sarah
- Susan
- Victoria
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.