WARDELL
Wardell
Wardell is an Anglo-Saxon surname of British origin. The name is derived from the Old English personal name Weardhæla, which combines the elements weard meaning "guardian" and hæl meaning "hero". The surname has ancient roots in England and is predominantly found in the northern counties such as Yorkshire and Lancashire.
History
The Wardell surname has been recorded in various forms throughout history, including Wardel, Werdell, Wardale, and Wardell. The name likely originated as a nickname for someone who displayed characteristics of a guardian or protector.
During the Medieval period, the Wardell family was associated with land ownership and often held positions of authority within their communities. Over time, branches of the Wardell family spread to different regions of England and even beyond, including Scotland and the United States.
Notable individuals
- John Wardell (1781–1860): British artist known for his landscape paintings.
- Alan Wardell (b. 1975): British entrepreneur and founder of a successful tech startup.
- Eleanor Wardell (1922–2005): English author and historian, renowned for her work on local folklore and traditions.
Popularity
The Wardell surname remains relatively rare compared to some more common British surnames, but those who bear the name often take pride in its distinctive heritage and history. The name continues to be passed down through generations, ensuring the legacy of the Wardell family endures.
There are approximately 2,141 people named Wardell in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,957th most common surname in Britain. Around 33 in a million people in Britain are named Wardell.
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
- Kevin
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Emma
- Gillian
- Helen
- Janet
- Julia
- Julie
- Linda
- Mary
- Patricia
- Sarah
- Shirley
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.