Sawtell

Origins and Meaning

Sawtell is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English pre 7th Century personal name ‘Saewulf’, meaning "sea-wolf". The name is believed to have originated as a nickname for a sea warrior or sailor.

Distribution and Historical Significance

The surname Sawtell is most commonly found in the county of Essex in the East of England, where the name has a long history. It can also be found in other parts of the country due to migration patterns over the centuries.

Notable individuals

One notable individual with the surname Sawtell is Albert Ernest Sawtell (1867–1930), an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Albert Ernest Sawtell was awarded the Victoria Cross for his bravery during the Second Boer War.

References:

  • Reaney, P.H. and Wilson, R.M. A Dictionary of English Surnames, Oxford University Press, 1997.

  • Cokayne, G.E. The Complete Peerage, St Catherine Press, 1959.

  • Pine, L.G. The New Extinct Peerage 1884-1971, Londno, 1972.

There are approximately 401 people named Sawtell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around six in a million people in Britain are named Sawtell.

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
  • Gary
  • James
  • John
  • Joseph
  • Mark
  • Paul
  • Philip
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Christine
  • Deborah
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Hannah
  • Jennifer
  • Joanne
  • Linda
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Patricia
  • Philippa
  • Rebecca
  • Simone

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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