KIDWELL
Kidwell
Kidwell is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name Cyd-well, meaning "spring near a hill." The first recorded instance of the surname is in the 13th century in the county of Devon, England.
Origin
The clan bearing the surname Kidwell historically resided in the county of Devon, South West England, where they were known for their agricultural pursuits. Over the centuries, members of the Kidwell family have branched out to different regions of England, including Sussex and Kent, and have subsequently established themselves in various parts of the country.
Notable individuals
- Francis Kidwell: A prominent landowner in the 18th century who played a significant role in the local governance of Devon.
- Eleanor Kidwell: Noted as a philanthropist and educator in London during the Victorian era, known for her contributions to improving access to education for underprivileged children.
Modern Distribution
The surname Kidwell is relatively rare in the United Kingdom today, with most individuals bearing the name residing in rural areas or small towns. The spread of the family across the country has led to variations in the spelling of the surname, such as "Kidwill" or "Kidwells."
Variants
Variants of the surname Kidwell include Kidwill and Kidwells. These variations arose due to the phonetic nature of the English language and the way surnames evolved over time.
In summary, the surname Kidwell has deep roots in English history and is associated with individuals who have made notable contributions to their communities. Despite its relatively low prevalence in modern times, the name continues to be cherished by those who bear it and maintain a connection to their ancestral heritage.
There are approximately 254 people named Kidwell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around four in a million people in Britain are named Kidwell.
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
- Anthony
- Brian
- David
- Huw
- James
- Jeffrey
- John
- Kevin
- Matthew
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Nigel
- Stephen
Female
- Amanda
- Ann
- Caroline
- Claire
- Hayley
- Jacqueline
- Jacquelyn
- Jane
- Linda
- Lisa
- Marie
- Sandra
- Sarah