SPELLS
Spells
The surname Spells is of English origin, deriving from the Old English word "spell," meaning a saying, tale, or fable. It is thought to have been an occupational surname for someone who was a storyteller, an announcer, or someone who had the gift of "casting spells," which could refer to either magical incantations or simply the ability to captivate an audience with words.
The first recorded instance of the surname Spells dates back to the early 13th century in Sussex, England. Over the centuries, the name has spread to various parts of the United Kingdom and beyond, carried by families who may have been involved in different trades or occupations.
Notable individuals bearing the surname Spells include artists, scholars, and professionals. The family name has evolved over time, with various spellings such as Spel, Spelle, and Spales recorded in historical documents.
Today, the surname Spells is relatively rare but continues to be borne by families across the UK and in other parts of the world, with a shared heritage rooted in the storytelling traditions of the past.
There are approximately 164 people named Spells in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around three in a million people in Britain are named Spells.
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
- Clive
- David
- Douglas
- Gareth
- George
- Mark
- Michael
- Nicholas
- Peter
- Robert
- Roger
- Simon
- Stephen
- Timothy
Female
- Amanda
- Anne
- Barbara
- Jennifer
- Joan
- Julie
- June
- Kathleen
- Laura
- Patricia
- Rebecca
- Ruth
- Sara
- Sophie
- Tracey