Southwell

Southwell is a surname of English origin, derived from the place name "Southwell" in Nottinghamshire. The name is locational, meaning that it was often adopted by individuals who hailed from or lived near the village of Southwell. The village itself derives its name from Old English, meaning "southern well or spring."

The surname Southwell has ancient roots, dating back to medieval times. It is believed that families bearing the name have been spread across various parts of England, with historical records indicating their presence in counties such as Nottinghamshire, Yorkshire, and Norfolk.

Notable individuals with the surname Southwell include Robert Southwell (1561–1595), an English Jesuit priest and poet, who was canonised as one of the Forty Martyrs of England and Wales by the Catholic Church. The Southwell family has also been associated with various aristocratic and noble families throughout British history.

Today, the surname Southwell continues to be found in England and other English-speaking countries as a reminder of its long history and legacy. The name's associations with heritage, history, and regional identity have contributed to its enduring popularity and significance among those who bear it.

There are approximately 3,150 people named Southwell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 2,868th most common surname in Britain. Around 48 in a million people in Britain are named Southwell.

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
  • Ian
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert

Female

  • Barbara
  • Christine
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Joanna
  • Karen
  • Katherine
  • Laura
  • Louise
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Nicola
  • 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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