Mansell

Mansell is a surname of English origin, believed to have derived from the Old French name "Manessier," which is a variant of the Germanic personal name "Magnus." The surname is primarily found in Great Britain and has a long history dating back to medieval times.

Origin and Meaning: The surname Mansell is of toponymic origin, as it was often used to denote a person who lived near a manse or a small dwelling, typically occupied by a clergyman or a steward of an estate. Alternatively, it may have been derived from a compound of 'man' and the Old English word 'sael' or 'saelu' meaning "hall" or "house."

Distribution and Popularity: Mansell is a relatively uncommon surname in the United Kingdom, with most bearers being found in England, particularly in regions such as West Midlands, Essex, and Yorkshire. The name has also spread to other English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Bearers of the Name:

  • Nigel Mansell: A former English racing driver who won the Formula One World Championship in 1992.
  • Penelope Mansell: A noted British author known for her historical fiction novels.
  • Sir Thomas Mansel: A 17th-century Welsh politician and Member of Parliament.

Coat of Arms: The Mansell family coat of arms typically features heraldic elements such as lions, crosses, or other symbols denoting courage, faith, and ancestry. These insignias served to identify and distinguish individuals of the Mansell lineage.

Variants and Derivatives: Variants of the surname include Mansele, Mansel, and Mansall, reflecting historical variations and adaptations of the name over time.

In conclusion, the surname Mansell holds a unique place in British history and genealogy, representing a lineage with diverse connections to the English landscape and heritage.

There are approximately 7,336 people named Mansell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 1,272nd most common surname in Britain. Around 113 in a million people in Britain are named Mansell.

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
  • James
  • John
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Carol
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Jeanette
  • Julie
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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