GUNNELL
Gunnell
Etymology Gunnell is a surname of Old Norse origin, derived from the personal name Gunnhildr, composed of two elements: gunnr, meaning "battle", and hildr, meaning "battle". The name was later introduced to England during the Viking Age and developed into the surname Gunnell.
History The surname Gunnell has a rich history dating back to medieval times in England. It is believed to have originated in the northern regions of the country, such as Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, where Scandinavian influences were prominent. The Gunnell family is said to have been of Norse descent and settled in England during the Viking period.
Notable Individuals
- John Gunnell (1909-1982): A British politician who served as a Member of Parliament for East Dorset from 1950 to 1966.
- Lucy Gunnell (b. 1975): A renowned British artist known for her contemporary paintings and installations.
Variants Variants of the surname Gunnell include Gunnel, Gunnill, Gunnill, Gunnellus, and Gonne. These variations may have emerged due to regional dialects and spelling differences over time.
Coat of Arms The Gunnell family has a distinctive coat of arms, which features heraldic symbols such as a shield, crest, and motto. The coat of arms is a visual representation of the family's heritage and status.
Modern Distribution Today, the surname Gunnell is relatively rare and is most commonly found in the United Kingdom, particularly in regions with historical ties to Scandinavia. It has also been recorded in other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, and Australia, due to migration patterns.
There are approximately 891 people named Gunnell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,084th most common surname in Britain. Around 14 in a million people in Britain are named Gunnell.
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
- Christopher
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Ellee
- Emma
- Helen
- Jacqueline
- Julie
- Karen
- Kathryn
- Margaret
- Maureen
- Pamela
- Patricia
- Samantha
- Sarah
- Susan
- Veronica
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.