WAVELL
Wavell
The surname Wavell is of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Wafol". It is a toponymic name indicating someone who hails from a place named Wavell. The place name itself may have had various meanings or origins in Old English, possibly linked to landscape features or local landmarks.
Notable Bearers:
One of the most prominent figures with the surname Wavell is Archibald Percival Wavell (1883–1950), a British Army officer and field marshal who served as the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East, during World War II. Wavell played a significant role in North Africa and the Mediterranean theatre, overseeing campaigns and leading British forces against the Axis powers.
Distribution:
The surname Wavell is relatively uncommon, with the highest concentration found in certain regions of England such as Yorkshire and Lancashire. Over time, migration and dispersal may have led to the presence of individuals bearing the surname in other parts of the United Kingdom and beyond.
References:
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Reaney, P. H., & Wilson, R. M. (1997). A dictionary of English surnames. Oxford University Press.
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Cokayne, G. E., et al. (2000). The complete peerage of England, Scotland, Ireland, Great Britain and the United Kingdom. 2nd ed. St. Catherine Press.
There are approximately 126 people named Wavell in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Wavell.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Ben
- Daniel
- David
- Gary
- Harrison
- John
- Mark
- Oliver
- Paul
- Peter
- Simon
- William
Female
- Claire
- Emma
- Irene
- Janet
- Kathleen
- Marjorie
- Sarah
- Shirley
- Susan
- Victoria