As described in historical dictionaries

An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names (1857)

A name given, in all probability, to a person who was inflexible, hard, firm, or enduring.

Arthur, William (1857) An Etymological Dictionary of Family and Christian Names. New York: Sheldon, Blakeman. Public Domain.


Patronymica Britannica (1860)

STEEL. STEELE. A northern pronunciation of stile. In Scotl. the spur of a hill.

Lower, Mark A (1860) Patronymica Britannica: a dictionary of the family names of the United Kingdom. London: J.R. Smith. Public Domain.


Surname type: Nickname

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.