Pell

Pell is an English surname of medieval origins, derived from the Old French name "Pel", which itself is a diminutive form of the personal name "Peter". The surname is believed to have been brought to England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.

Origin and Meaning

The surname Pell is of occupational origin, indicating a link to the profession of furriers. The name could also be associated with the Latin word "pellis", meaning "skin" or "hide", suggesting a connection to the leather-working trade.

Distribution and Variations

The surname Pell is most commonly found in the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk, and Cambridgeshire in England. Variants of the surname include "Peel" and "Pelle". Over time, variations in spelling have occurred due to phonetic influences and regional dialects.

Notable Individuals

George Pell (b. 1941)

George Pell is an Australian cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church who previously served as the Archbishop of Melbourne and Sydney. Pell played a significant role in the Vatican structures before facing allegations of sexual abuse.

Dave Pell (1925–2017)

Dave Pell was an American jazz musician known for his skill as a tenor saxophonist and his contributions to the West Coast jazz scene. Pell led his own groups and worked with prominent artists such as Les Brown and Harry James.

References

  • Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
  • Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

There are approximately 3,343 people named Pell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,725th most common surname in Britain. Around 51 in a million people in Britain are named Pell.

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
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Stephen
  • Steven

Female

  • Barbara
  • Caroline
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Jacqueline
  • Janet
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Rebecca
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Victoria

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