GASKELL
Gaskell
Origin: Gaskell is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name "Gisli", which was a popular name in medieval England. The surname Gaskell is believed to have originated in the Lancashire region of England.
Meaning: The meaning of the surname Gaskell is not definitively known, but it is thought to have been a patronymic surname, indicating descent from an ancestor named Gisli.
History: The Gaskell surname has been recorded in England since medieval times. The name became prominent in the Lancashire region, particularly in the area around Manchester. The most famous bearer of the Gaskell surname is Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865), the renowned English novelist and short story writer. Her works, including "Mary Barton" and "North and South", have contributed significantly to British literature.
Variants: Variants of the Gaskell surname include Gaskill, Gascade, and Gasgeill.
Notable bearers:
- Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) - English novelist and short story writer.
- Richard Gaskell (b. 1925) - British physician and academic.
- Robert Gaskell (b. 1950) - British historian and author.
Popularity: The surname Gaskell remains relatively uncommon in the United Kingdom today, with most bearers of the surname residing in the Lancashire region. The popularity of the surname has been sustained by the enduring legacy of Elizabeth Gaskell and other notable individuals who have borne the name.
References:
- Patrick Hanks and Flavia Hodges, "A Dictionary of Surnames" (Oxford University Press, 1988)
- P.H. Reaney, "A Dictionary of English Surnames" (Oxford University Press, 2006)
In conclusion, the Gaskell surname is an English surname of ancient origin, linked to the medieval personal name Gisli and prominent in the Lancashire region. Its association with literary figures like Elizabeth Gaskell has contributed to its enduring presence in British culture.
There are approximately 6,222 people named Gaskell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,522nd most common surname in Britain. Around 96 in a million people in Britain are named Gaskell.
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
- David
- James
- John
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Catherine
- Christine
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Gillian
- Julie
- Karen
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan