GLADWELL
Gladwell
The surname Gladwell has its origins in England, particularly in the region of East Anglia. It is a locational surname derived from the Old English words "glæd" meaning "happy" or "bright" and "well(a)" meaning "spring" or "stream". Therefore, the name Gladwell likely referred to someone who lived near a cheerful or bright spring.
The name Gladwell dates back to at least the 13th century, with records showing its presence in various counties across England. Over the centuries, the name has seen different variations in spelling, including Gladewell and Gledwell, before settling on Gladwell as the most common form.
Individuals bearing the surname Gladwell have made notable contributions in various fields, including literature, academics, and the arts. One of the most famous contemporary bearers of the name is Malcolm Gladwell, a renowned writer and journalist known for his thought-provoking books such as "The Tipping Point" and "Outliers".
The Gladwell surname, with its roots in English history and its connection to bright and cheerful connotations, continues to be a distinctive and respected name within British and global communities alike.
There are approximately 1,160 people named Gladwell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 6,587th most common surname in Britain. Around 18 in a million people in Britain are named Gladwell.
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
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Paul
- Peter
- Richard
- Robert
- Rodney
- Simon
- Stephen
- William
Female
- Ann
- Elizabeth
- Joan
- June
- Karen
- Kelly
- Louise
- Margaret
- Mary
- Nicola
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Victoria
- Yvonne
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.